On Monday, on one
of the hottest days of the year so far, we climbed the three hundred steps up
to the highest gallery of the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. It was our own ascension moment – come three
days early!
Now, our audio guide informed us by the time we were half way up, (at Whispering Gallery level) that by the time the cathedral was nearing completion, its architect, Sir Christopher Wren, was no longer able to climb the scaffolding and inspect the work. Instead, he was hauled up to the dizzy heights of the dome in a basket! It all seemed incredibly precarious!
I’ve tried to imagine the scene since. This wonderful architect, who had lived long enough to see his vision for the new St Paul’s become a reality, standing in the Whispering Gallery looking down. What, I wonder, did he say now his job in its creation was almost complete?
Now, our audio guide informed us by the time we were half way up, (at Whispering Gallery level) that by the time the cathedral was nearing completion, its architect, Sir Christopher Wren, was no longer able to climb the scaffolding and inspect the work. Instead, he was hauled up to the dizzy heights of the dome in a basket! It all seemed incredibly precarious!
I’ve tried to imagine the scene since. This wonderful architect, who had lived long enough to see his vision for the new St Paul’s become a reality, standing in the Whispering Gallery looking down. What, I wonder, did he say now his job in its creation was almost complete?
I’d like to
think he said something like: Well, I’ve
given you the framework, here’s your new House of God, now fill it with prayer
and praise, fill it with music and service.
Now I know
Jesus didn’t ascend in a basket but maybe the essence of what he said to his
disciples just before being taken from their sight wasn’t so very
different: I’ve given you a framework
and this is what the Kingdom of God looks like. Remember the stories I’ve told you, the
moments of compassion we’ve shared and the experiences that have bound us
together. This is what the Kingdom of
God feels like – now continue to live it out.
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