But hush for God is here

At Saturday night worship, we heard the gospel you heard today. Something about giving cups of water and welcoming people in my name? The preacher in a succinct less than four minute sermon says something about the importance of us receiving; about being gracious enough to receive. She’s aware that there are a lot of preachers in the room, from America, Holland, South Africa even England but is unfazed. Givers need to be gracious enough to receive.

I’m reminded of the Mole, the Fox, the boy and the Horse, the line where one asks What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said? And the other saying “help”

I suppose the aim of a pilgrimage is to be open to growing as a disciple, listening to God through scripture, through prayer and encounter and people and acts of kindness even fears and struggles

I think about the couple here whose bags are lost, last seen in Chicago. They are being super relaxed about having nothing. And of the South African pastor who’s phone refuses to work. He’s no idea what’s wrong and is interpreting this disruption as God’s gift to him for this week. I’m not confident that I would be so spiritual and calm. I have much to learn.

I note that there are no locks here, except inside the loos. Back in Glasgow our hotel gave us a code for the bar loo. I’ve not seen that before. I have travelled to a very different world of peace and trust.

The Sunday morning preacher starts with this Poem, I don’t know who it’s by but it contains enough awe for me to mine it for the rest of the day. I think you could say it to yourself every time you go to church.

“Enter this door as if the floor within were gold and every wall of jewels, all of wealth untold, as if a choir in robes of fire were singing here, nor shout, nor rush, but hush, for God is here”