Place and Inspiration!

Each Wednesday evening in Lent in addition to the regular Wednesday night Mass there is also a Lenten address. This year it is focused on different parts of the Cathedral and how they inspire prayer and reflection. Last night we began with the Rev Mari Price speaking about the David Chapel and how the architecture and the memorials reminded us of the suffering that takes place in the world and how this reminds us of the suffering of Jesus. For my talk in I am focusing on the Epistein's Majestus the stunning sculpture intended to be a modern rood screen. So at the moment I am seeking inspiration for that, but often find that I write best either in coffee shops or when travelling on the train. I can remember reading extracts about the broadcaster and author Rev Peter Owen Jones who wrote his book Psalm whilst travelling on a train. Thinking about preaching on a certain aspect of the cathedral makes me very tempted to say that I often find God more when out and about rather than just in the confines of particular buildings. There is always the danger that we rest our faith too much in buildings and confuse being impressed with the grandeur and beauty of buildings. Of course that is not to deny their important role in mission and sometimes in inducing awe and wonder but it is important that we acknowledge that the whole of the world is holy and all that particular buildings and objects can do is to point us to the wonder of that.