A Special Place - Reflection by Canon Myles
Read Canon Myles' reflection for Thursday, 19 November 2020.
Most of us have places which hold special memories. One of mine is in our Cathedral, in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Fifteen years ago this week, I came to the Cathedral for the only job interview I have ever experienced. I arrived a few minutes early, and went to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit to be still and quiet and to offer up the next fifty minutes or so to God. Later that day a phone call from Dean Rupert led to the beginning of a new chapter of my ministry, and many of you will be aware of the last fifteen years, as I have been part of the Cathedral Company, first as a Residentiary Canon, and for the last twelve years as Precentor.
In the New Year this chapter draws to a close as I retire from stipendiary ministry, but it also marks the beginning of something new. When Dean Sue very kindly invited me to consider making the Cathedral my spiritual home in retirement and to continue to live in the Cathedral Close, I was honestly delighted, for I knew I would be living among friends, which can be such an important support, not least for a single person. There will be a different pace of life, I hope, and more quality time to do less, but perhaps to do it better. Alongside that, and in whatever ways may prove helpful, I hope to be able to offer ministry as a priest within the Cathedral company - having taken a solemn vow of perpetual abstinence from things which will be no longer my concern!
When I set out to the Cathedral for the interview fifteen years ago, I recall sharing with my mother that I felt at peace about whether or not I should be appointed. As I look back on all that has been, and forward to whatever God may next have in store, I can’t do better than offer to God the words of the Swedish economist and diplomat, Dag Hammarskjöld:
‘For the past, thanks: for the future, yes.’
Canon Myles
While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.