What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Statement on the fire at Notre Dame

    The fire at Notre Dame Cathedral is a tragedy not only for Paris and the people of France but for the world.

    Those who know the building will be unable to see the pictures of the fire without feeling heartbroken.

    So many different things that make up the building are priceless – the medieval roof, the woodwork, the organ, the stained glass, the relics. But this tragedy is more than the loss of them all. It is the loss of the heart of Paris, the loss of a place of pilgrimage and the loss of a place of romance.

    Every day this week, Christians will be reflecting on the heartbreak of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to whom Notre Dame was dedicated. Every day as we do so, we will be praying for the Paris its people as they face their own heartbreak.

    Notre Dame means Our Lady. Notre Dame doesn’t just belong to Paris, it belongs to us all.

    This was a building that is utterly associated with Paris. But it was an utterly priceless treasure for the world.

    It was truly ours, and this tragedy is our tragedy.

    Our Lady of Paris, pray for us and for all affected locally.

    Our Lady of Paris, we pray for you.

3 responses to “And David Danced before the Lord in a Lightweight Kilt”

  1. Angela Millar Avatar
    Angela Millar

    Really missed your blogs – glad they are back on line – thank you!

    Reply
  2. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    Yes, I’ve missed your blogs too. Welcome back.
    David got into a bit of trouble with his wife for dancing in the street – I think she was more concerned about his dancing in front of other women than concerned about his dignity. Marriage can be like that. Still a great institution though.
    In certain situations dignity can be important. But I agree that our Lord doesn’t care if we let our dignity slip, he wants authenticity. By the way, as a mother of four children I can reveal that birthing suites in hospitals are no place for dignity!

    Reply
  3. Ender's Shadow Avatar
    Ender’s Shadow

    I’ve never heard any explanation other than the idea that David was letting it all hang out. As such it is a challenge to all of us from a strict liturgical tradition: is it really providing space for us to express over the top enthusiasm for God? Of course for some people it does; Thomas Merton’s excitement at being allowed to say Mass THREE TIMES on Christmas Day is… different. But in a culture where noisy dancing is the norm for a ‘night out’, it should be no surprise that the likes of ‘Hillsong’ make a major impact. Is there space for that in our churches, or are we marginalising such people?

    Reply

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