Weekly Reflection – The Bigger Scheme of Things

Just after New Year, a couple of days before the temperatures in Wakefield dropped to sub-zero, the cathedral heating system failed. The heating engineer duly attended, inspected the boilers and pipework, lifted grates here and there, spoke mysteriously about manifolds and pumps and valves – and then left saying he would write a report. A repair would have to wait for a subsequent visit. Meanwhile the building has gradually got colder until (so it seems, at least) the temperature inside the building now matches the one outside. In the bigger scheme of things it has been a relatively minor inconvenience, though I am mindful of the discomfort experienced by our faithful verging team and wonderful volunteers who continue stoically to endure the chill.

Praying in a cold cathedral has made me more mindful of the daily lived experience of those who are homeless and rootless at this time of year, as well as those who cannot afford to heat their homes properly. The cathedral heating will soon be repaired; many who are homeless and cold, on the other hand, will continue to endure hardship throughout the winter. I am thankful that, with or without heating, the cathedral continues to be open daily to offer a warm welcome to all – albeit figuratively for the moment!

With love and prayers,
Simon