Well done to Rachael Elizabeth this morning for preaching an excellent sermon at St.Michael’s Bramhall on the Wedding at Cana that we can read about in John’s Gospel. There was so much packed into that concise address that one could take away. I liked her perception of Jesus being reluctant to accept that his time had come, when actually it had come, he knew it and his mother knew it too. It is so true that in all our vocations, where risk is perceived to be involved we sometimes need a helping hand from those we love, to show us the way. I certainly did. All vocational ministries carry a cost, but none are anywhere near what Christ was prepared to give. I am sure he knew at the outset what the outcome of his earthly ministry would be but what must the faith of Jesus have been to bring about that miraculous event in Cana? What must his closeness to God have been that death that was unable to close it doors on him and relegate him to the past? (Rowan Williams)
I won’t be seeing Rachael, Fr. Simon et al for a while now as I am returning to Mirfield today to start my second term. We don’t enjoy the disruption to family life but accept it is a very small price to pay in the short term, but I do love the worship and spiritual discipline (as my mother called it last Thursday when my parents kindly took my kit over for me and stayed for Evensong). So just for now, Bramhall St.Michael’s, it is time to say goodbye.
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Godspeed Paul. Many of your wider family here are with you in Spirit. Pray for us. We’re praying for you, and for yours …
Will do Simon and thanks, yes please keep me posted on ‘requests’. The monastic worship here is becoming something really special. Encourage folk at St. Michael’s to come and share the experience. I am in the process of organising a visit for two members of the music group to visit on a Thursday (and bring me home).