Rectory notes Rectory notes – Lifted by the light

Breakfast time. A difficult day lay ahead, and I’d not slept well. My head was down as I munched my cornflakes. I looked up, and glanced out of the kitchen window. Lo, an apparition! Or more precisely the shape of our upstairs window cast beautifully by the early morning sun onto the neighbours’ wall. I wasn’t even seeing the sun directly, yet its presence was dramatic. The light lifted me for the day.

We may face a difficult day ahead. Maybe every day is difficult. Maybe we’ve not only slept badly but we find hauling our body through the day a constant physical struggle. Or hauling our family through the day.

There is much in the world at present that can feel dark. Global political forces seem malevolent. Our heads may be down, as we poke our cereal round the bowl, worrying where it’s all heading.

Two friends were once walking along a road. Their heads were sunk. To cap the ever-swirling political darkness, their friend and brightest hope had been brutally killed. A man joined them as they walked, and subsequently for dinner. At the supper table, they finally looked up properly, and lo, an apparition! It was Jesus, risen from the dead. How they were lifted by his Light.

On Easter Day we hold a short Sunrise Service on the little hill above Feniton, where – if the weather plays ball – the rising sun can be watched, reminding us of that first Resurrection. All are welcome (6am at the village hall carpark). But ‘sunrise services’ – being lifted by the light/Light – can be every day, anywhere. Cornflakes are not a requirement.

Addendum: After taking this photo last month, I wondered why the window’s reflection seemed such a surprise. It can only be because since last year we’ve had a replacement window installed upstairs – and it’s super-reflective! Times change – and sometimes we see things we couldn’t before.

Rev David Carrington

Team Vicar of Feniton with Escot and Payhembury

The Rectory, Station Road,

Feniton 01404 850905 revdavidcarrington@gmail.com