I went looking for some bigger patio doors the other day, not that I am getting tired of mine, they seem to have a different view every day, but I was sure I knew where there was a bigger set.

So, I decided that I would go over to Coventry Cathedral, and I had planned to be there for the Litany of Reconciliation and then Holy Communion. But, my bus got in too late, so by the time I had walked down to the Chapel of Industry, the service was half way through. Instead I stood and listened for a while as the leader’s voice echoed around the chapel and out into the main part of the cathedral.

I then moved to the high altar, turned and faced south, and to the engraved glass screen, and once again marvelled at the structures, which I had studied at school for my CSE Religious Education. From this point, you can see the stained glass windows, the other sides of the concrete faced sides of the cathedral, from this point you can see the full glory of Jesus, whereas when you walk up the aisle, all you see is the engraved tablets to those sides, with their messages drawing closer to the tapestry.

I sat for a good while in the nave. I am always amazed, whenever I go over to the cathedral, at the additional symbols and meaning which I never learnt off when studying at school. As I sat there I could hear so many different accents, so many tongues of visitors, it seemed to be a reminder that the church is made up of so many different peoples throughout the world, and the ministry of reconciliation of Coventry Cathedral.

I was more amazed at the sight of a five level platform being erected in front of the choir, piece by piece two men where interlocking sections together to form, what I could only imagine was a platform for people to stand and sing on. Along the sides and at the top, safety precautions were in mind, as railings where incorporated into the structure. Suddenly, my eye was drawn above the structure, and there was the face of our Dear Lord looking down from Graham Sutherland’s tapestry, looking over the whole proceeding, making sure that ever piece of the structure was safe and secure.

As I sat and watched the work taking place, it reminded me, very much of the structure of the our church; each railing, each staging part, each bracing strap representing different views and opinions we all have, and whether we are a railing, staging part of bracing strap, we are all bought together under Jesus’ watchful eye, to be a strong indivisible body and that we need all the differing views of the church body to be whole.

I walked up the main aisle towards the south door, and if you ever get a chance to do so, look down and see the marvellous selection of stone which makes up the floor, look closer and you will see the fossilised remains of sea creatures, God’s creations all bought together, to enable us the walk, in comfort to the high altar., at the intersection of each piece of stone are Penny coins from the year of the consecration of the new Cathedral 1962, some smooth and unrecognisable but others still showing Britannia.

I walked out of the Cathedral into a heavy rainstorm and made my way to the bus stop, but knowing that I would, for sure end up getting even wetter, decided to go into Holy Trinity church, what a difference to the Cathedral church of St Michael this was. Too much to take in on one visit, so I will just have to go back one day soon and spend more time there.

Oh, did I find my patio doors? Yes, the south screen of Coventry Cathedral, the visible link between the old and the new cathedrals. I wonder which window cleaner gets the job of keeping those sparkling clean.

God Bless and Shalom

Being serious about what you're praying for means that you're doing everything you can to make it happen. God will lend a hand only when you put in the effort. He'll never take away your independence because that's his ultimate gift to you.

I really look forward to my Aish.com weekly email, I hope you found the above of benefit, I still do.