Walk in the light

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This morning was my first time preaching (not a word I'm particularly fond of!) in the Cathedral at the 1030am service. 

I have celebrated alone here before, and even alongside the Bishop, but today was my turn to go entirely solo.

It was a little daunting I must say, as I didn't know how it would be received. But of course, once I began I had nothing to worry about!

It is Trinity Sunday here and even though the readings were different from the lectionary, I managed to produce something suitable, appropriate and, apparently (from comments afterwards) engaging!

There was a good congregation. Some new faces, and some regular attenders, and I had readers and hymns sorted. Karim, as always, played really well and there was an excellent response.

Afterwards, it was coffee as usual, both with the Granita crew and with the Sudanese congregants.

When I made my way back to the vestry afterwards, to collect my things, I found the church in relative darkness, which was unusual. There were two young girls, probably in their mid-teens, kneeling at the communion rail in prayer, and one held a lighted candle.

Unusually, they both wore Hijabs, and were apparently members of the Sudanese Muslim community.

Emmanuel, the church warden explained to me afterwards that they had come to the church after the 1030am service and had asked to be allowed in to pray. The Cathedral is always open here so that wasn't an issue. but their story was really engaging.

They had been thinking about becoming Christian, and one of them had had a dream in which God told her to go to a church and to light a candle. Which of course, she did this morning, along with her friend.

They told Emmanuel afterwards that they had felt an incredible sense of peace, and would be returning to pray, and to take the next step. Wow. What an incredibly uplifting tale!

(In fact, one of the hymns I had chosen for this morning was 'Walk in the Light'!)

On reflection, the risk that they are taking is enormous. They risk not only isolation, from family and friends, but real danger by following the Christian path.

I had been talking with one of our Sudanese congregants recently about his faith. He is Nubian, and his entire tribe (family, friends and acquaintances) are Muslim. 

He is the only Christian among them and when he became Christian, he was effectively banished and came to Egypt.

We take so much for granted at home. Freedom to practice our faith is something to be cherished!

As I contemplate next weeks sermon, it's off to Granita for some fish.

I had a rather loud, mangy looking companion as always, but not a chance of sharing!! 

Remember, don't make eye contact!!



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