Walking in a garden at the break of day

Once more we celebrate the Day of Resurrection, and so we have an image of flowers in the garden at Latymer - to remind us of the Easter Garden.

Walking in a garden at the break of day,
Mary asked the gardener where the body lay;
But he turned towards her, smiled at her and said:
'Mary, spring is here to stay, only death is dead'.

Have a Happy Sunday!

Walking in a garden where the Lord had gone

On Saturday we wait for the Day of Resurrection. A garden (such as this one at Latymer) can be a lovely place to wait and pray. The following verse reminds us of Our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane on that first Maundy Thursday.

Walking in a garden where the Lord had gone,
Three of his disciples - Peter, James, and John;
They were very weary, could not keep awake,
While the Lord was kneeling there, praying for their sake.

Walking in a garden at the close of day

Here is the back garden joining Rivercourt House with Latymer House. It is an oasis of peace and quiet - but this photo shows no flowers.

Walking in a garden at the close of day,
Adam tried to hide him when he heard God say:
'Why are you so frightened, why are you afraid?
You have brought the winter in, made the flowers fade'.

Sweet corn at Latymer House

Here we see sweet corn - a kind of maize with sweet grains, growing in the front garden of Latymer House. It will soon be ready for harvesting. I doubt if there will be enough for the 750 people who eat school lunch each day!

When parishioners realise that I have to eat school dinners, they seem to pity me. Well, our school lunches are absolutely superb - and that is no joke. You would have to pay at least £10 if you had them in an ordinary restaurant - and the service is always with a smile. The Catholic Church is well-represented amongst our catering staff, though the Catering Manager (Adrian) is a devout Jew. And yes, we do get offered pork - in case you are wondering!

Fair waved the golden corn
In Canaan's pleasant land,
When full of joy, some shining morn,
Went forth the reaper-band.

To God so good and great
Their cheerful thanks they pour;
Then carry to his temple-gate
The choicest of their store.

Adrian would approve of these words. What a lovely thought for the day - 'God so good and great'. I have only one word to add - Alleluia!

And O what transport of delight!

Here is a view from the front garden of Latymer House. You can see the Thames and some of the school's boats ready for the river. You can see the Thames Path which is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists - and sadly the odd motorist! You can also see a plane in the sky.

Personally, I rather like the splendid pampas grass, and the grand lamp-post!

Thou spread'st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth:
And O what transport of delight
From thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never:
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
Within thy house for ever.

A heron in the Thames

I spotted this heron from the window of the Assembly Room of Latymer Preparatory School. This image will bring joy to 25% of the pupils! There are four 'Houses' in the Prep School:- Cormorants, Herons, Kingfishers, and Mallards. My apologies to the other 75% who probably find this image repulsive!

View from Rivercourt House

Here is a lovely view of the River Thames from the Assembly Room of Latymer Preparatory School. With such a view, I doubt whether the pupils listen to a word I say when I conduct their Assembly each Wednesday at midday!