Reflection by Canon Bob

I live in Lady Chapel Close which means that as I write this and look out of my front window the Cathedral rises into the sky. Often if there is a Service in the Lady Chapel and sometimes in the main space we can hear the organ whose notes are a reminder of the busy life of praise and worship within the building.

Of course Cathedrals are built for gatherings of hundreds and thousands of people who come together for a common purpose and who experience the dynamic of being part of a large crowd.

I first experienced this in 1978 when I was made a Deacon and although I was only one of over twenty people being ordained Deacon or Priest there was enough room for all my family and friends who wanted to be there. Last year I had the privilege of preaching at the ordination service which believe me even after 40 years is still a scary experience! On such occasions the Cathedral is filled with love, hope and expectation.

Interestingly there is a similar atmosphere when our building is used by Liverpool John Moores University for their graduation ceremonies. As Chaplain for almost ten years I attended almost one hundred of those and consistently witnessed people enter for the first time for a secular occasion gaze in wonder at the grandeur of their surroundings dedicated to the glory of God.

Since being the Dwelly Raven Canon I have taken my turn in welcoming those using the Cathedral for grand dinners and ceremonies so vital for our economy and an opportunity for them to experience our hospitality. Often entering the great space from the Lady Chapel and accompanied by a fanfare from the organ an interesting evening becomes a profound spiritual experience of encounter with each other and with God.

Of course all this is impossible at the moment and my heart goes out to those being ordained this year in very different circumstances and those who will merely receive their degrees through the post. I know there will be a new ‘normal’ for a while but in time we will once again be able to experience fully the genius of Giles Gilbert Scott as human ingenuity, resilience, and faithful endeavour will overcome this pandemic.
 
Canon Bob

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.
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