evensong
After a few afternoon hours of (unfortunately) scant enjoyment at tate modern (I cannot appreciate such art, though if I'm in a thoughtful mood I might go back and give it another try), I found myself wandering the roads of London because the circle and district lines were down and I needed an alternative route home.
Just love strolling aimlessly, (though I aimed to find a bus-stop I wasn't walking purposefully at all) and what with the cool breeze and blue blue sky, I felt so glad!
I even met a friendly kindly old German man with two HUGE dogs who stopped me to ask for directions to liverpool street. Initially, I was very pleased that I looked like I knew my way (even though I did not) but then he said I had an American accent :( and asked if I was a tourist :( :(
Anyway it was no problem finding a bus-stop, but just as I was running for 15, I found myself heading towards this majestic white building! Which is of course none other than St Paul's Cathedral. (which I've never visited prior to today, shame on me :P)
Most happily, I had my camera with me! So, I acted the tourist and snapped away amongst the crowd, bought myself a scone from M&S and sat on the steps to bask in the sun.
The scone soon disappeared though, and so I went in. Maybe it's just me being unobservant, but after awhile, cathedrals all look similar, the grandeur of the high arches in the ceiling no longer wow you as much. What really took my breath away in there though, was the Evensong service.
Not that I knew there was going to be an evensong service. Not until I made my way to the front and reached a barrier beyond which those not intending to attend the service cannot pass, so I decided to. (partly I must confess due to curiousity and wishing to see what's painted on the beautiful dome above the area beyond the barrier)
I've never seen anything like this service before. Yes, it was liturgical. Everything was read out from Scriptures; the choir and clergy in their robes entered and sang most of the service out- singing the psalms, singing from Luke; the clergyman read most of the prayers and the rest of us merely echoed.
But, the voices, such beautiful voices from the oldest men and women to the little rosy-cheeked boys, rose to the heights of the cathedral's galleries and rang throughout, so that it was almost as though we were surrounded by angelic voices!
I fail to describe it. How listening to God's word being read out, listening to the choir sing, listening to the organist play, and then finally being able to join in in singing the one hymn at the end.. how that could have inspired such great awe in my tiny heart. It was truly amazing, to be able to just stand there in awe of the Almighty God, who is (how humbling!)my dearest Lord and Saviour, and (the privilege!) worship Him.
Such services then, must have been a central part of the great tradition of Christianity in Europe. It seems sadder than ever that empty chapels and cathedrals and churches lie scattered all over this culturally and historically so rich a continent. But as the pastor said in yesterday's ezekiel message, God in his infinite goodness is working in other places, in other ways. :)
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I have made a commitment, and I shall keep it, no matter what.
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