Today has been good. Morning Service for Remembrance Sunday among friends at St. Peter’s was moving. After a pleasant, well cooked and enjoyable lunch with Heather, Rob, Luke and Marlon, I went to Westminster Cathedral for Vespers with the Rite of Closing of the Door of Mercy. Cardinal Vincent Nichols invited the Archbishop off Canterbury to preach at the end of a special year of Mercy. Justin Welby quoted the Pope, who said to him during the recent audience: “God makes room in our lives for mercy and grace” - but he laced his serious message with humour too. One of the prayers called on us to “reach out to those around us with compassion, understanding and love so that they too will experience God's abundant mercy”. Thought provoking words as the year draws to a close - a year with events that we could not have imagined would take place 12 months ago!
The first photograph shows the Cardinal outside the Cathedral after the service with Paul Moynihan on the left. Paul, who is the Cardinal’s Master of Ceremonies, reminded me that he was with me on SCOUTING magazine some 40 years ago - we are best friends. The third shot is of the Christmas decorations in the Strand. Paul and I opted for the Number 11 bus from Victoria to Liverpool Street, rather than the Underground (being kids at heart!). Paul told me that this is only the second year that the Strand has been decorated for Christmas. He also informed me (for he is a mine of amazing information) that the moon is at its brightest this evening and such brightness will not be seen for another 22 years - by which time I will be 105 (a fact which amused the lady in the next seat at the front of the bus, on the top deck of course!).
Yes, it has been a good day. Thanks to all who made it so.
