One of the programmes I look forward to at this time of year is Pilgrimage. This year, the celebrities are making their way from Whitby Abbey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, celebrating the Hild, Oswald and Cuthbert. Each person, with their own story of faith or beliefs, will explore Celtic Christianity whilst taking in a landscape that has long inspired praise of God. It will be a journey - both physical and spiritual - of ups and downs. I am always interested to see how such an experience opens up hearts and minds in a new way.
Today, Dame Sarah Mullally will be installed as the first ever female leader of the Church of England at Canterbury Cathedral. The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury has been on a pilgrimage from St Paul's Cathedral to her enthronement. Walking 86 miles over 6 days. A time of preparation and symbolic of the move from her old life as Bishop of London to her new life. The Moderator of the General Assembly will be there at the service and has spoken about talking with the Archbishop about walking.
I have been a couple of pilgrimages over the years and am fascinated with the pilgrimage routes being rediscovered. Regardless of the path taken, the experience can help lessen distractions and draw us nearer to God deepening our faith. It can slow us down and help us notice the world around us, but also what is going on in the inside.
Over the coming 10 days, we will all be making a pilgrimage of sorts. From the Mount of Olives, down into Jerusalem, to the temple, to Bethany, to the upper room, to the garden of Gethsemane, to Herod's palace, to the governor's residence, to Calvary and the foot of the cross, to the tomb, to Emmaus. From Jesus' triumphal entry, to his rejection, his betrayal, his trial, his suffering, his death and his resurrection. From the old creation to the new creation. We will walk alongside him, listening once again to his words and watching as others interact with him. We will ponder the anguish he endured but also discover once again the love that he has for us. Creatively, reflectively, quietly, joyously, we will make our journey to Easter, learning how to travel lightly and in community.
For all those working hard on preparing for services and events for across the generations, thank you. May you find yourself enriched in the preparations and may the journey renew your faith.
And for everyone, may you find a way to reconnect with the story and allow it to nourish you.
Rev Stella
