The Dean has prepared a visual journey through Holy Week: an image for each day from within the cathedral, together with a reflection and prayer. We will the daily reflections onto our website each morning.

Monday in Holy Week

Today the mood changes. Jesus goes from Jerusalem to the quiet seclusion of a family home - to his friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Here he is safe - away from the crowds and danger.

Our homes have been our safety in these last days, haven't they? Places of refuge and quiet, where we can be at peace.  Perhaps we have a garden to enjoy the peace as well.

Here's an image of the Deanery garden, which has sustained me these last days.  There's the seat where I sit and there's the magnolia, just coming into bloom.  Anthony (Head Volunteer Gardener) tells me its name is 'Susan', bred in the Arnold Arboretum outside Boston, names after one of their staff. It was given to me in 2003 by Ken and Barbara Eglin - good friends, both long departed.

Today - give thanks for homes and for dear friends, living and departed.

God of compassion,

whose Son, Jesus Christ, shared the life of a home in Nazareth,

and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself:

strengthen us in our daily living

that in joy and in sorrow

we may know the power of his presence

to bind together and to heal

through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.