Stepping Out - Reflection by Canon Myles

When I was a parish priest, I recall a cheeky young server who once made a remark about me which if it was a bit unkind, it certainly wasn’t untrue. After church one morning, a member of the congregation said in his hearing that it could be difficult to contact me. My young friend said to her, ‘Just go and wait outside the food department at Marks and Spencer’s and he’s sure to come along soon!’

If I listed my leisure activities, shopping would be fairly high on the agenda, and I find it hard to believe that four months has gone by since I last darkened the doors of that excellent emporium. I have found out that they deliver on line, a life-enhancing discovery, but still not quite the same.

This weekend, I have put this right and made my first trip into the city centre. I went as early as possible to avoid any crowds. I was apprehensive, but now that the official advice is moving towards us taking personal responsibility, this seemed a proportionate step to take. I didn’t linger, and as I am not yet ready to make use of my bus pass, I didn’t want to be like Delaney’s donkey on the homeward trip up the blessed hill to the Cathedral, which seems to get steeper with every passing year!

Later this month it will be possible for us to worship together once more in the great space of our Cathedral. Some of us will feel able to be there in person while others will feel that this joyful moment must still lie in the future. Each of us should make that decision responsibly for ourselves. It may help to know that from Monday 20th July, the daily celebration of Holy Communion from Monday to Saturday will resume at 12.05pm and it will be held in the main space, so social distance will be easy to maintain. This may be a stepping stone for some who might be apprehensive about Sunday just for now. Those who still need to remain at home will be glad to know that the recorded services will continue to be available in the coming weeks.

Arrangements for booking your attendance are on the Cathedral website, and whenever you come to join us, you know we will be really glad to welcome you!

Canon Myles

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.