Autumn Glory - 22

Here we have an autumnal view of Clarendon Dock in Belfast - this is where I go two or three times a year for examining meetings. The dock is now dry - there are no longer any boats there. Well, today is St Andrew's Day, and Jesus called Andrew and Simon to leave their boats and follow him.



Jesus calls us! - o'er the tumult
Of our life's wild restless sea
Day by day his sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, 'Christian, follow me':

As of old Saint Andrew heard it
By the Galilean lake,
Turned from home, and toil, and kindred,
Leaving all for his dear sake.

Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world's golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, 'Christian, love me more.'

In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
'Christian, love me more than these.'

Jesus calls us! - by thy mercies,
Saviour, may we hear thy call,
Give our hearts to thy obedience,
Serve and love thee best of all.

These glorious words were written by Mrs C F Alexander - a native of Northern Ireland. She may well have sailed from Clarendon Dock on many an occasion.

Happy Feast! (or Solemnity if you live in Scotland)

Autumn Glory - 21

Here we have a photo of an autumn morning in Belfast. It was taken at 9.00 am on a Saturday by the Waterfront Hall on the West Bank of the River Lagan and shows remarkably little activity - at least by London standards!



In the distance one can see the twin towers of Harland and Wolff Shipbuilders - the yard almost silent these days. How Belfast has changed since I lived there in the 1980's! It is a much more beautiful City these days.

A few more years shall roll,
A few more seasons come,
And we shall be with those who rest
In peace beyond the tomb.
Then, O my Lord, prepare
My soul for that great day;
O wash me in thy precious Blood,
And take my sins away.

Good words for this month of the Holy Souls.

Autumn Glory - 20

I visited Norwich Cathedral earlier this autumn. It is a lovely building.



Into God's high temple
Onward as we press,
Beauty spreads around us,
Born of holiness;
Arch, and vault, and carving,
Lights of varied tone,
Softened words and holy,
Prayer and praise alone:
Every thought upraising
To our city bright,
Where the tribes assemble
Round the throne of light.

Our church buildings should point us upwards to heaven!

Autumn Glory - 19

Here is a photo of a couple of ducks (male mallards) taken near Lichfield Cathedral.



Hark, my soul, how everything
Strives to serve our bounteous King;
Each a double tribute pays,
Sings its part, and then obeys.

Nature's chief and sweetest choir
Him with cheerful notes admire;
Chanting every day their lauds,
While the grove their song applauds.

Autumn Glory - 18

Here we have a photo of the three spires of Lichfield Cathedral taken late one autumn afternoon.



O Strength and Stay upholding all creation,
Who ever dost thyself unmoved abide,
Yet day by day the light in due gradation
From hour to hour through all its changes guide.

Inspiring words written by St Ambrose.

Feast of Christ the King

The 34th (last) Sunday of Ordinary Time is celebrated as the Feast of Christ the King. Here is a display of autumn flowers taken in Lichfield Cathedral - it forms a fitting image for the feast.



Crown him the Lord of peace,
Whose power a sceptre sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
Absorbed in prayer and praise:
His reign shall know no end,
And round his pierced feet
Fair flowers of Paradise extend
Their fragrance ever sweet.

Have a Happy Feast!

Autumn Glory - 17

On my way to Mass on 11 November I walked along the banks of the River Cam. It was a beautiful autumn morning.



Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us-
Self on the cross and Christ upon the throne,
Past put behind us, for the future take us:
Lord for our lives, to live for Christ alone.

What lovely words as we prepare the celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.