Month: April 2011

Well it was wonderful of course. How could it be otherwise? There was enough in the service to remind us that this was two young people – like any other couple – on a momentous day in their lives and deserving of all the good wishes and prayers we can offer them.

I pondered all these things as I sat on the 7.23 am from Gatwick and listened. Four ladies were struggling to exchange mobile numbers in case they got separated – and then ‘I’ve got a three-legged stool with folding legs … we can take turns in standing on it.’ Some of the papers have been asking themselves about the state of republicanism in Britain. On this evidence, there is very little future for it. Monarchist feeling is at the level of symbol and feeling – things may happen which damage trust and affection. A diverse society may find it harder to gather round single ideas and identity. But it was hard to see that in London today.

Meanwhile back at the Abbey, Kate walked past me on her date with destiny. It was a moment of history – one ponders the impact which William’s great-grandmother had on the monarchy and whether Kate may have a similar calling for different times. But all that is for other days and other times – for now I took comfort from their nervous smiles. It suggests that William and Kate may be people who are not sure of the way forward and who may have been gifted with the wisdom to seek for new times new expressions of an ancient institution. All of us involved in the task of church leadership understand that challenge

Well here at the Travelodge Gatwick, the excitement is mounting. Quick trip from Blogstead Na Mara in Donegal and here we are.

You probably know that I pretend not to like weddings – but of course I am putty in their hands. Always the lump in the throat and the tear in the corner of the eye – particularly as I get older. So I’m looking forward to a good day tomorrow. One slight regret is that ‘Be thou my vision’ hasn’t made it onto the list – but you can’t have everything.

Press interest in my attendance at the Royal Wedding has been patchy to say the least. The Portadown Times – in the form of my old friend Victor Gordon – got in touch and did an in depth interview – ‘Former Seagoe Rector, etc., etc. Premier Christian Radio wanted a blessing for the happy couple. Blogstead of course will be en fete – but sadly we won’t be there …

As I said, I was a bit light on Holy Week this year .. so here is my ‘Holy Week in half an hour’ – Prayer for the Day for BBC Radio 4

And The Scotsman published this Good Friday piece today.

Given that I am always muttering about how secular Scotland is, I was surprised to find myself at the traffic lights at the South Inch today looking at a random Roman soldier and a Golgotha scene. Given Perth’s remarkable history, it probably wasn’t the first time he had been there.

So why is the Chrism Mass one of the most moving moments of the year? Well there could be all sorts of reasons for that. But it seemed to me as we gathered in the Cathedral today is that what makes it moving is the vulnerability – the fact that the clergy who gather have committed themselves in the most wonderfully idealistic and passionate way. At Chrism Mass, we revisit the roots of that commitment. This is what I said this morning.

This evening, I’ve been in our Cathedral in Dundee. We had institution of the eucharist and feet washing and vigil ….

Perth can be amazing – beautiful new Concert Hall and a remarkable performance of St Matthew Passion by the Dunedin Consort. It’s the kind of music which sits in the middle ground between concert and liturgy. There’s always a moment which catches you unawares – for me it was Peter’s betrayal.

And it was brisk – as I think worship should be, even if one attempts to give the impression that there is all the time in the world. Not brisk so as to be over and done with – but because brisk offers all sorts of opportunities to do as Bach does. You can s t r e t c h a word for emphasis – rather than thumping it. And you can have a pause – almost a hesitation – without making a meal of it. And it’s generally easier to slow up than to speed up.

As I said, I’m a bit light on Holy Week – more broadcasting than churchgoing. This was this morning’s Thought for the Day

I’m looking forward to tomorrow – first day in the office for ten days. Bits of Anglican Communion business, a meeting of the College of Bishops, interviews in the Brechin Episcopal election process and today’s Mission and Ministry Board have kept me busy. But the wonders of technology, the ever-increasing ability of Sharon to read my mind and – no doubt – the power of prayer keep the flow of e mail and other communication going. It’s just that I never get to meet anybody.

I slipped in a Thought for the Day in Dundee yesterday – I thought the incapacity theme was appropriate.

And tomorrow I’m doing the last of my Lent Roadshows. Casting the Net seems to stir among people an appetite for learning. So I’ve been going around the diocese encouraging people to talk with me about faith. I can think of no better way of spending my time.