We have been shocked to hear the accounts of what has happened to those from many parts of the world who took part in the Hajj pilgrimage. It has been harrowing to hear how people of prayer have died whilst seeking to journey in faith and understanding. Whilst not part of the Christian community, we identify with the pain and sadness felt by our Muslim brothers and sisters and hold them all in our prayers.
Journeying In Faith
Pilgrimage is also part of our own tradition. For generations Christians have travelled as pilgrims to a variety of places, and many with a degree of struggle and difficulty, in the hope of learning something more of their hope and faith in God.
Whether by travelling to new continents and countries, or journeying to holy sites, pilgrimages have been journeys of both transformation and renewal.
As we reflect with sadness on the experience of those pilgrims, let us also reflect on the place of pilgrimage in our own tradition. Let us be reminded of the rich opportunity we share to help others to see something of God’s wonder and delight.
Let us pray for all pilgrims and ask that God shows his love and light to all those who seek him.
Canon Christopher Burke
Vice Dean and Canon Precentor
It was a great joy this week to join with many folk from across our Diocese, as well as from the community here at the Cathedral, to celebrate the consecration of Pete Wilcox as a bishop.
There are times when it seems we are faced with genuine difficulty and the only response we can offer is to pray.
One great early teacher of the Christian faith, Gregory from Nazianzus in Turkey, said that there are only two ways to God, "journeying outwards, and journeying inwards."
Next Sunday we will be processing from the Cathedral after the morning service, up Fargate, to join with the other city centre churches for a short service at the cross beside the Town Hall.
If nothing else the last few weeks have reminded the Church of England of some of the many areas where it has found it difficult to gather agreement.
As we give thanks for our new Bishop and our new Bell, let us pray that we may also have the courage to share the good news of Jesus in our communities and across this diocese.