Sunday 4th March
This morning I began the day with the daily office whilst awaiting the Mass. In the office of Readings the main piece was a reflection from St Augustine on Jesus encounter with the Samaritan woman, when, during their conversation he offers her the water of life.
The enthusiastic priest comes into the chapel to begin the Mass and calls us, gathering us informally at the font. He reminds us of the importance of our common baptism, asking a couple of pilgrims present, from whence they come. He reminds us that from wherever we come, Burgos, Spain or elsewhere, we are one in our Baptism. He says we should remember this at Easter. To help us do so , today he will bless water and asperse us. (Splash us with the water). He does this and then invites us to make the sign of the cross on our bodies using water from a small bowl, in remembrance of our Baptism. Then he teaches us a simple Spanish chant and the Mass begins. I warmed to his joy at teaching us in Spanish and various other words from languages we might know.
After mass I stop at small bar cafe and order a coffee. Hot water under pressure releases the colour and flavour of the drink. It warms, soothes and gladdens my heart. However the weather forecast is not good, so I cover my rucksack to keep the water out and slowly make my way to the Station. Stopping for some flip flops and tissues. Water is so important, it is the stuff that preserves life.
It is also very destructive, there has been flooding in Malaga this week. The rivers in Burgos are in flood and I learned with sadness today of the damage to one of my churches at home.
So today, if you like me are baptised, rejoice in the life it brings. Above all please offer your prayers for all who help others deal with floods and emergencies that affect the safety of buildings and those who use them. My Church wardens Terry and Clive could do with some prayer too as they try to sort out the damage in St Michael's. (Pictures on the St Michael, Tividale facebook page).
The enthusiastic priest comes into the chapel to begin the Mass and calls us, gathering us informally at the font. He reminds us of the importance of our common baptism, asking a couple of pilgrims present, from whence they come. He reminds us that from wherever we come, Burgos, Spain or elsewhere, we are one in our Baptism. He says we should remember this at Easter. To help us do so , today he will bless water and asperse us. (Splash us with the water). He does this and then invites us to make the sign of the cross on our bodies using water from a small bowl, in remembrance of our Baptism. Then he teaches us a simple Spanish chant and the Mass begins. I warmed to his joy at teaching us in Spanish and various other words from languages we might know.
After mass I stop at small bar cafe and order a coffee. Hot water under pressure releases the colour and flavour of the drink. It warms, soothes and gladdens my heart. However the weather forecast is not good, so I cover my rucksack to keep the water out and slowly make my way to the Station. Stopping for some flip flops and tissues. Water is so important, it is the stuff that preserves life.
It is also very destructive, there has been flooding in Malaga this week. The rivers in Burgos are in flood and I learned with sadness today of the damage to one of my churches at home.
So today, if you like me are baptised, rejoice in the life it brings. Above all please offer your prayers for all who help others deal with floods and emergencies that affect the safety of buildings and those who use them. My Church wardens Terry and Clive could do with some prayer too as they try to sort out the damage in St Michael's. (Pictures on the St Michael, Tividale facebook page).
