Journeying into Tier 3 - Reflection by Dean Sue

On Wednesday the Cathedral tweeted out the following message: 

Moving into Tier 3 of COVID lockdown sets many emotions running: fear, anxiety, helplessness and hopelessness.   

Liverpool Cathedral, part of Liverpool City and region, was built by the people for the people. It is your Cathedral and it is a place of sanctuary for you the people of this city and region.  

As a place of sanctuary the Cathedral offers you space to come and reflect, to light a candle and to have a coffee in our beautiful new café in the Well of Liverpool Cathedral. 

As we move through these challenging times come and experience the peace of your Cathedral and as we look towards Christmas come and experience some comfort and joy. 

As I try to build on that statement and as I try to continue to reflect on the present situation and what the Cathedral can offer as a safe space, I am reminded that we are fragile human beings. I can only speak for myself, but this past week has brought me both joys and sorrows. I have found my mood go up and down and I have been aware of others around me doing the same thing. 

In a recent staff meeting I spoke to the staff about accommodating each other. We spoke about recognising that people’s mental health may well be all suffering at this particular time and consequently we need to look out for each other and support one another. 

One of the challenges of this pandemic is not to focus too inwardly, but to try and focus outwardly. I have tried to use the concrete image of masks to do this. I wear a mask to protect you and you wear a mask to protect me. Wearing a mask is not all about me, it is about us caring and looking out for each other. 

Liverpool Cathedral has a reputation for looking out for others. Our Micah charity is a good example of this. Also the whole vision of Liverpool Cathedral being a place of encounter is about looking outwards and welcoming the stranger.  

As stated in the tweet, Liverpool Cathedral is the people’s Cathedral. It is a big open safe place for people to come and encounter a sanctuary in these difficult times. It is a place to allow your mind to rest a while. It is a place to think of the other as well as oneself.  

It is a place for you. 

Dean Sue

While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.