It will seem a very strange Good Friday this year without being able to join with others in singing those hymns and hearing those readings that are so much a part of the worship of this most holy day. One of my favourite hymns is ‘There is a green hill far away’; I have loved it ever since I was a child. I remember asking my mum why it was that the hymn-writer had to point out that the green hill didn’t have a city wall around it! Surely it stands to reason that hills don’t have walls around them? She then explained that it was ‘old English’ and really meant that the green hill was outside the walls of the city, as opposed to being within in them. Then it all made sense, as she explained that Jesus died on a hill, outside (or ‘without’) the walls of the city of Jerusalem. She also told me a facinating story about that hymn, by Cecil Frances Alexander. I was born and bred in Farnborough, in Hampshire, about 35 miles south-west of London. It’s not a very distinguished place, it has to be admitted. Yes, it has a certain air-show named after it, and it was the setting for the very first powered flight of an aeroplane in Britain, by Samuel Cody, in 1908. Another claim to ‘fame’ was that the last recorded (and by then illegal) prize-fight (that is boxing without gloves) took place in Farnborough. Farnborough’s old name is ‘Ferneberga’, which means ‘hill of ferns’. Above what is now the centre of Farnborough is a small hill, and before houses were built on it in the first half of the 20th century, it was covered in ferns – hence the name. Atop this ferny hill is St. Peter’s Church – known as the Old Parish Church to locals. This church, with its Norman origins, has stood overlooking Farnborough for well over 900 years. Not quite so long ago – although long enough back in time – it was where I was baptised and confirmed, and attended Sunday School and Youth Group. The story is that Cecil Frances Alexander was travelling through Farnborough on one occasion and saw the little church on top of the ferny hill, and was inspired to write ‘There is a green hill’. Well it may or may not be true, but it’s a great story! Whether or not Farnborough played any role in the genesis of this very famous hymn, of much greater significance are the words of the hymn – a powerful reflection on the events of the Crucifixion. Like so many great hymns and songs, it teaches us foundational truths about what Christians believe about the work of Jesus on the cross that day. “He died to save us all” – the name ‘Jesus’ means ‘God saves’. “He died that we might be forgiven” – the cross is the place where the slate is wiped clean and we can make a fresh start with God and each other. “There was no other good enough” – Jesus’ work and calling was unique to him. I am so thankful that he chose to accept that calling, despite the utter devastation it caused to him – physically, emotionally and spiritually. “O dearly, dearly has he loved” – yes, Good Friday is good because it shows us the extent of God’s love for us. With good reason, the words of John 3:16 are carved into the Lady Chapel at Liverpool Cathedral: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” “Trust in his redeeming blood, and try his works to do.” – I always struggled with this line at the end of the hymn. I find trusting in God a real challenge at times, partly because I am a natural worrier, and partly because I often wonder what God is up to when I look at some of things going on in our world. And how can I ‘try his works to do’? Well, of course, the point is that only Jesus could do precisely what he did, but on the evening before Good Friday, as he spent that most precious time with his disciples, he said this: “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:25-27). It is in the strength of the Holy Spirit of Jesus, that I can try to walk in the way of the cross of Jesus. So one thing that I will be doing today will be to download a clip of the choir of Liverpool Cathedral singing ‘There is a green hill’. I invite you, with me, quietly to sing along to this wonderful hymn, giving thanks for the Saviour who inspired it. Canon Neal While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week (Links will be posted individually): Holy Week Reflections and Services Good Friday: Joint Good Friday Service between the two Cathedrals The Passion Gospel read by Precentors from Cathedrals around the Country Performance of Crucifixus by Cathedral Choir, sung remotely Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching
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Many of the Precentors in the Church of England’s Cathedrals and Greater Churches have worked together to produce a reading of the Passion according to Matthew. You are most welcome to share in this as we remember the death of Jesus on the Cross for us today: While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week as well (Links will be provided once they are made available): Holy Week Reflections and Services Good Friday: Performance of Crucifixus by Cathedral Choir, sung remotely Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching Please join us from Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for reflection and prayer this Good Friday: If you would like to follow along with the text of the liturgy, the Order of Service is available as a pdf here: ![]()
Have a blessed Good Friday.
Dean Sue and Canon Tony While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week (Links will be posted individually): Holy Week Reflections and Services Good Friday: The Passion Gospel read by Precentors from Cathedrals around the Country Performance of Crucifixus by Cathedral Choir, sung remotely Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching Please join us for worship this Maundy Thursday evening led by Dean Sue and Canon Mike: Keep an eye on this website and our Facebook Page for more liturgical and devotional resources for your use this Triduum. Maundy Thursday blessings, Dean Sue While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week (Links will be posted individually): Holy Week Reflections and Services Good Friday: Joint Good Friday Service between the two Cathedrals The Passion Gospel read by Precentors from Cathedrals around the Country Performance of Crucifixus by Cathedral Choir, sung remotely Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching Seiger Koder Today is Maundy Thursday. It is the day in the life of the Church when we thank God for the Last Supper, known to many of us as the Eucharist. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all recount the Last Supper; John’s Gospel, however, tells the story of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet. The story from John’s Gospel is a story of humility, a story of love, a story of servanthood. As the disciples gather Jesus takes a towel wraps it around himself and pours water over tired and dirty feet. He kneels before his followers, washes their feet, and as their eyes meet, a moment of love passes between them. As I reflect on the reading from John’s Gospel I am struck by the parallels in our own time. As we know from Scripture Jesus moves from The Last Supper, The Washing of the Feet to his eventual death. A cruel death which has been seen as a sacrifice made for us, that we might live. As I walk around St James’ Garden I reflect on the sacrifice that so many people are making in our hospitals and in our care homes in order that people may live. I am sure there are moments when people’s hands and feet are washed, when that simple act of cleaning brings a moment of love to the human race. Those in the caring profession offer love and are making a sacrifice. As I continue to think, I read the grave stone of Catherine Wilkinson, known to many as Kitty Wilkinson. It reads: Catherine Wilkinson died 11 November 1860. Indefatigable and self-denying. She was the widow’s friend; the support of the orphan; the fearless and unwearied, nurse of the sick; the originator of baths and wash houses for the poor. Kitty worked to alleviate the suffering of the poor and sick and today many nurses, care-workers and doctors follow in her footstep, as they battle on the front line in our hospitals and homes with the Covid 19 virus. Today on this Maundy Thursday and everyday we pray for them, we give thanks for their selflessness and their sacrifice. Today, on this Maundy Thursday, when we remember that Jesus washed his disciples feet, I ask you that every-time you wash your hands or wash your feet you give thanks for the NHS and all care professionals, for their sacrifice of love and please pray for their safety. Loving God, As we remember Jesus’ command to love on another We pray for our NHS and for all care-workers. Give them strength and courage to face the future. Help them to know and feel supported by you at this difficult time. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord who lived and died for us. Amen. Dean Sue While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week as well (Links will be provided once they are made available): Holy Week Reflections and Services Maundy Thursday: Service for Maundy Thursday Good Friday: Joint Good Friday Service between the two Cathedrals The Passion Gospel read by Precentors from Cathedrals around the Country Performance of Crucifixus by Cathedral Choir, sung remotely Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching I continue to be so grateful for my daily walks around St. James’ Gardens, especially on those lovely calm sunny mornings when it’s not blowing a hooley. Each day, it seems that the place is greening up, and more flowers are appearing. The information board erected by the Council tells me that St. James’ Mount, at the southern end of the Gardens, was the first public park in Liverpool, created as long ago as 1767. So it’s been giving pleasure, for free, to many generations of local people. As I’ve been walking round, trying to chalk up my daily tally of ‘steps’ I was reminded of a talk I’d heard years ago which claimed that the main message of the Bible (the ‘meta-narrative’ if you want the posh word) can be summed up in ‘gardens’. The Bible starts in the Garden of Eden, and ends in the garden city of the new heaven and earth, with the river of life flowing down the centre, and trees producing fruit for the healing of the nations. In the heart of the Bible are two more gardens, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden of the Empty Tomb. Between these latter two is the Cross – the fulcrum of the whole of Scripture. On Easter morning, our focus will be on the garden in which Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene, outside the empty tomb, from which he had just emerged. In this Holy Week, however, may I encourage you to dwell for a while in the Garden of Gethsemane? You can read of this in Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42 or Luke 22:40-46. To begin to understand something of the significance of the moment, we should wind back the clock to the Garden of Eden. However we understand, in literary terms, the text of Genesis 3, it is obvious that human beings, in their decision to put themselves in the driving seat, set themselves on a collision course with God’s good purposes for them. Having eaten of the ‘Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil’, God could not let them eat of the ‘Tree of Life’; otherwise, his plan to send his Son as the perfect human to die for the mess we’d made of the world could not be enacted. Humans would have been immortal. So Adam and Eve are driven from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:22-24), in a gesture which some theologians refer to as a ‘severe mercy’. It sounds most harsh for God to do that, but it was the way in which God would ultimately demonstrate his merciful love for all humanity. As we trace the path from Eden through the Old Testament, we read of a ‘Messiah’ – God’s anointed one, who would come to drink the cup of suffering. Psalm 102 is one of the set Psalms for Holy Week, and I believe that verse 9 looks ahead to Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, “For I eat ashes like bread, and mingle tears with my drink.” So it was, that just after Jesus had shared the Last Supper with his disciples, including the ‘cup of remembrance’ of the Passover, he prayed earnestly to God in the Garden, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not what I want but what you want” (Matthew 29:39). Humanly, Jesus blanched at the thought of what was set before him – he didn’t want to go through with it. It is interesting that Jesus distanced himself from his disciples in order to pray, and was completely isolated in his dialogue with God; for only he could do this. But there, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the ‘garden of tears’ (as Graham Kendrick refers to it in his hymn ‘The Servant King’) became the garden of decision. Without it, the Garden of the Empty Tomb, the Easter Garden, would not have been possible. So let us, in this Holy Week, dwell with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, not ‘falling asleep’ spiritually, as did the disciples physically on that momentous evening. May we quietly give thanks to Jesus that he was prepared to drink that cup of suffering, right to the bottom, and that he did it for the love of you and me. There in the garden of tears, my heavy load he chose to bear. His heart with sorrow was torn, “Yet not my will, but yours” he said. This is our God, the Servant King. He calls us now to follow him. To bring our lives, as a daily offering of worship to the Servant King. Canon Neal While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week as well (Links will be provided once they are made available): Holy Week Reflections and Services Maundy Thursday: Service for Maundy Thursday Good Friday: Joint Good Friday Service between the two Cathedrals The Passion Gospel read by Precentors from Cathedrals around the Country Performance of Crucifixus by Cathedral Choir, sung remotely Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching It is now seven years since we first experienced the Liverpool Passion Plays in the Cathedral. They were written and produced by an in-house team: Daniel Bishop, Mark Lovelady and Nick Basson, and came about with a veritable army of talented helpers. Originally there were three acts, designed to be performed in the Great Space of the Cathedral on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of Holy Week, shortly after Evensong. The original plan was for adult members of the Cathedral Company to take part as the actors, but in the event, sufficient adult volunteers were not forthcoming. Instead a host of younger people of the Cathedral Company, members of Cross Guild and the Overcrofters, the choristers and other young friends, were the ones who stepped up to the plate. Any misgivings about the maturity of the young people to enter into the story of the Passion disappeared completely on that first Monday evening. Their professionalism was remarkable and exemplary. And there was an unexpected bonus: the young players and singers brought their families with them, and their friends too, so that by the Wednesday evening the audience in the Cathedral was close to 500 people. The whole Cathedral was used for the Passion Plays. The Well was used for the opening scenes, moving from the childhood of Jesus to overturning the tables of the money-changers. The Baptistery and Western Crossing were the scene for the plotting and scheming of the religious leaders, ending with Judas Iscariot’s dark decision to betray. On Tuesday the procession into Jerusalem made its joyful way from the Scott Memorial to the Chancel Step before everyone moved to the darkness of the Presbytery for the Last Supper which took place around the High Altar. The final scene moved the audience to the Derby Transept, close to Lutyens’ ‘Outraged Christ’ for Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, the false kiss of Judas and the violence of the arrest. On Wednesday, the Bishop’s Cathedra became the focus for the trial, and Pontius Pilate sentencing the Lord to death. The Crucifixion itself was depicted on the Dulverton Bridge, with the people standing below. My abiding memory is of the first Wednesday evening. At the end, everyone had the opportunity to lay a flower beneath the Bridge, as at the foot of the Cross. That evening Dean Pete and I had to leave the Cathedral promptly, as we were expected to robe and process at a service at the Metropolitan Cathedral to bid farewell to Archbishop Patrick Kelly. We walked together along Hope Street, but neither of us felt it right to speak. The experience of the plays, and especially the depiction of the crucifixion , had been too profound for conversation. We had been brought to stand at the foot of the Cross, and it was so profound that the youngest members of our Company were those who made this happen. It remains an unforgettable moment in my years at the Cathedral. This Holy Week will be quite unlike any other, I suspect. To journey to the Cross and the new life of Easter without setting foot in the Cathedral is going to be very strange for us. Seven years ago, my encounter pf surprise was how wondrously ‘the old, old story of Jesus and his love’ came alive through the commitment, talent and professionalism of the Cathedral’s young people. Who knows? It may be that the ‘God of surprises’ has something unforgettable awaiting us this year too! Canon Myles While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week as well (Links will be provided once they are made available): Holy Week Reflections and Services Maundy Thursday: Service for Maundy Thursday Good Friday: Joint Good Friday Service between the two Cathedrals. The Passion Gospel read by Precentors from Cathedrals around the Country Performance of Crucifixus by Cathedral Choir, sung remotely Holy Saturday: Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors Easter Sunday: 10.30am Service for Easter Day, +Paul preaching Today would have been the day we hosted clergy, readers and others from across our diocese for our annual Chrism Eucharist. Instead we have a videoed service of the word with a renewal of commitment to ministry. You can watch this via the link below. Renewal of Commitment service One of the biggest things I missed when the Coronavirus restrictions first came in, was not being able to shake hands with people. Many of you will know that I love greeting people (friends and newcomers alike) with a smile and a handshake…..its the way I am and part of the good manners which was instilled in me from a young age by my dear mother and father. But it is interesting that even in that short period between the first restrictions and our current lockdown, I was able to find other ways to greet – through smiles, through words, through gestures, through eyes. I often imagine that Jesus too was a wonderfully tactile person – his gentleness of touch brought miraculous healing and comfort to many. But even he could touch people in different ways – by his own looks and smiles, no doubt; the pure love that people would have seen just in his eyes and face, that made you trust; the words that brought such teaching and gentle understanding but with such authority too. His voice which would bring miracles to bear – without the need for touch. And as did his mere presence, even down to the fibre of his clothing, for those reaching out with such deep faith. Yesterday was Palm Sunday – the joyous remembering of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem; no doubt himself touched by the people themselves also in different ways – from those who would have reached out to physically touch him, or his donkey, as he rode passed. And who knows what miracles may have happened through their own faith when they did that – reaching out to the one they had heard so much about and what his touch, his words, his very presence brought to the lives of many. He would have been touched too by their own faces and smiles and shouts of triumph – the vision of the crowd waving palm branches and proclaiming ‘Hosanna, Hosanna!’; touched by what he saw, touched by what he heard. Although we know, at the start of this Great Week, the joy some would have experienced would have felt short lived given what happens later in the week; but the joys brought turned to eternal ones through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, by overcoming death through the triumph of the resurrection. And even in this strange period we are in now, we ourselves can touch the lives of many throughout this Great Week – without the need for physical contact. By the wonderful expressions of appreciation and support for all ‘frontline’ workers; by the expressions of grief – in abeyance, as such, until we may grieve properly and in fulness; by the joy brought with contacts long since lost – new words and new conversations; by the hearts touched by the unexpected email, text, phone call or videocall. We can still touch the lives of many this Holy Week and the weeks to come, so that the way that Jesus himself touched the lives of others, might be manifest in our own ways throughout this difficult time. With my love and prayers for you all; stay safe…. Canon Mike While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. Today in the life of the Church is Palm Sunday, the day when we remember Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem on a donkey. The mood, as Jesus journeys into Jerusalem, is one of praise as people shout their hosannas. The mood, however, quickly changes and, as we journey through this coming week, Holy Week, we observe that final week in the life of Jesus, this is a time that is full of emotion as we see Jesus suffer betrayal, torture, crucifixion and eventually death. As we observe and engage with Jesus in his last week, we see the fickleness of people and the human heart, but we also see the love of God. We invite you to join in worship for Palm Sunday with us here: There is also the opportunity to engage with today’s Psalm through Breakfast and the Bible in this document: ![]()
If you want to continue to reflect on today’s themes, then please do use ‘Exploring the Sunday Gospel at Home.’ The aim of ‘Exploring the Sunday Gospel at Home’ is for people and families to look at the Sunday Gospel in advance of Sundays and to prepare themselves for the coming Sunday worship. So do please look out for next Sunday’s material from Tuesday onwards. You’ll find the “Exploring the Sunday Gospel at Home” documents on the “Prayer Resources” page and under the “Worship” column: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. You will also find Children’s activities from the Cathedral Education Team on the “Prayer Resources” page of this website under the “Education” column: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. Also, read this excellent reflection about Palm Sunday during these present times from one of our Chapter members, Canon Andrew Holroyd: ![]()
If you wish to journey with us through Holy Week, then please do continue to read the blog and use the various worship and reflective services that will be on the web-site from tomorrow. Apart from Tuesday we are hoping to have a form of worship and Prayer everyday as we journey towards Good Friday and Easter Day. Have a good Palm Sunday. Dean Sue |
supporting you during these uncertain times AuthorLiverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter. Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God Archives
September 2022
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Prayer for Liverpool
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Liverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter.
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