'Take heart, it is I: do not be afraid.’
Some of you will know that my wife Penny is very keen on labyrinths and, indeed, a qualified labyrinth facilitator. So, when we were priests in Toowoomba, she wondered about building one in the heart of the city, in the grounds of St Luke’s. One of our churchwardens was sympathetic, but amazed and \concerned. Aware of Toowoomba’s conservative religious reputation, she said that: ‘if you can do that, well, you can walk on water!’ Miracles do happen. So, if you happen to be in Toowoomba, do check out the city labyrinth: built with the assistance not only of the local church, but also, the participation of others, not least the Pure Land Buddhist community (who helped access and pay for stone from China). Indeed, the labyrinth was launched with a wonderful multi-cultural and multi-faith ceremony, including dancing and singing from local Muslim men. And yes, there was some reaction, including one protestor at the launch – bless his misplaced heart. He had produced a handwritten cardboard sign with an odd selection of biblical verses. For, as the whole story of Jesus shows us, living by faith, with expansive love, rarely comes easy. However, Penny’s miracle still occurred. For the truth of Gospel faith is that, whenever we are called into walking on water, we can always take heart: even when we are deeply challenged, let us not be afraid...
Some of you will know that my wife Penny is very keen on labyrinths and, indeed, a qualified labyrinth facilitator. So, when we were priests in Toowoomba, she wondered about building one in the heart of the city, in the grounds of St Luke’s. One of our churchwardens was sympathetic, but amazed and \concerned. Aware of Toowoomba’s conservative religious reputation, she said that: ‘if you can do that, well, you can walk on water!’ Miracles do happen. So, if you happen to be in Toowoomba, do check out the city labyrinth: built with the assistance not only of the local church, but also, the participation of others, not least the Pure Land Buddhist community (who helped access and pay for stone from China). Indeed, the labyrinth was launched with a wonderful multi-cultural and multi-faith ceremony, including dancing and singing from local Muslim men. And yes, there was some reaction, including one protestor at the launch – bless his misplaced heart. He had produced a handwritten cardboard sign with an odd selection of biblical verses. For, as the whole story of Jesus shows us, living by faith, with expansive love, rarely comes easy. However, Penny’s miracle still occurred. For the truth of Gospel faith is that, whenever we are called into walking on water, we can always take heart: even when we are deeply challenged, let us not be afraid...
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