A reflection from Bishop Peter Price
11th May 2009
'A white dove flew on to the tower at Glastonbury just as we began 'Peter's Progress' along with eighty people who had journeyed up the Tor on Bank Holiday Monday. It seemed like an omen, as we had chosen to read through the Progress sections of the Gospel of Mark. That day we read the story of the baptism of Jesus and the blessing of the dove representing the Holy Spirit which came down upon him. We too asked for the blessing of the Spirit upon our journey.
One of my hopes is that we might have an open-air baptism on Exmoor as we begin completing the journey, maybe of someone who we meet on the walk.
I am writing these reflections as we have completed the first week of the Progress and have journeyed from Rodden (nr. Frome) to Dundry ( nr. Bristol). We began by reflecting on St. Benedict. Children from the local school in Glastonbury named after the saint accompanied us up the Tor. Benedict, who founded the Benedictines offered as his rule three virtues; humility, obedience, stability.
The root meaning of the word 'obedience' is to 'listen deeply.' These past view days have been an opportunity to do that in the many conversations and encounters that we have had together. Visiting the many different communities which are so often by passed by car, or the busyness of life, has been a salutary reminder of the stability of people's lives. As someone who has always been something of a wanderer it has been good to sit in pubs, and talk in church halls with folk who have lived much of their lives within a few miles from their place of birth. Listening to people's stories, their hopes, fears and dreams, is a humbling experience. Perhaps the greatest enrichment so far has been the experience of other people's faith often expressed through many trials and difficulties.
Listening to people give testimony of 'living faith' as well as people expressing their joy at being released from the demons of anxiety and fear, is only matched by moments of serendipity which no one could plan, where ideas, plans, schemes and visions are being fulfilled. It is touching to see too, how many people have a concern for people less fortunate than themselves, and are seeking ways of 'changing lives, changing churches, changing communities.'
We have had our moments of fun too. Greeted by the Morris Dancers of Bathford, all the walkers joined in a dance, before making our way towards our destination. Meetings with farmers, school children, answering 'Any Questions' and having a foot massage, as well as warm welcomes and wonderful teas in various churches have all been delightful elements of the first week. On Sunday we arrived in Publow church in time to participate in the eucharist, and we concluded the day from the top of the tower in Dundry.
I have been reminded of some words from Dietrich Bonhoeffer of what I need to aspire to being on this journey and in all my ministry: ' Bishops are those unpretentious people who are sound and loyal in faith and life who properly carry out their ministry to the community of faith. The authority of the bishop lies in accomplishing the tasks of their service. There is nothing to admire about the person himself.' Please pray it may be so.
+Peter Bath and Wells
