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Morning Reflection
September 5, 2025
“God has arrived. I met him on the 5:15 train.”
John Maynard Keynes
Reflection - Two Cathedrals
By sheer accident, I was exposed to the ridiculous hype that preceded last Monday’s college football game – which was really all about one coach. The teams themselves were incidental. You would have thought that God had arrived in Chapel Hill. Really. I mean my words to be exactly measured to how people approached this game. If anyone doubts that sports are their own religion now, watch the several minutes of promotion that the University of North Carolina produced, announcing the arrival of their new Messiah. It would be nearly impossible to frame this in more exorbitant terms.
Of course, within a matter of hours, this whole new kingdom seemed to crash into dust and ashes. The game proved to be an embarrassment. The overflowing stadium crowd fled for the exits early in the second half. And all the remaining empty seats served as mute witness to the dreams and wishes that so quickly evaporated. A few sane commentators did note that building quality programs takes time and the season is just beginning; but few dared to suggest that the highly produced lead up misrepresented the day as a coronation rather than a contest. The greatest value of games is that they are games – anything can happen. But we seem to prefer dynasties – especially those that can be purchased and (thus we expect) instantly realized.
It’s impossible to imagine any similar hype that could surround church events – with the possible exception of reports of scandal. Churches occupy a very different place in our cultural life; and the God of Christianity isn’t nearly so glamorous and enviable. Jesus can’t be made into a profiteering celebrity. And belonging to a church doesn’t offer the same bragging rights or the opportunity to buy merchandise by which one can proudly display his or her team allegiance. In Canterbury, masses of people walk the main street all day long, sauntering into shops and restaurants. The cathedral is a short block away, but far fewer choose to visit there. And that’s OK, because it represents something different than a stadium and the attractions of delirious – and often fickle – fans.
One of the most striking and enduring features of the Cathedral is its expression of timefulness. It has been the dominant structure in the town for nearly 1500 years, and it’s a place for the repose of many who died centuries ago. Yet they are still present. And oddly, there’s no room for hyperbole within its walls. What’s majestic isn’t gilded or loud or crassly triumphant; it’s born of the kind of faith that trusts in the eternity of God. Cathedrals tend to still the noise of the day. Visitors speak quietly. And the context instills a beautiful humbleness that is shared by all who come inside. The Messiah is not a hero.
Interestingly, as I spoke to people who asked why I was visiting, when I told them I was with a choir singing at the Cathedral, universally the response was one of admiration and respect. People who don’t make it a habit to worship there appreciated what the choir was doing. People who’d never been inside the Cathedral were glad we were there to sing. Young, old, no matter who asked, they had the same reaction. It was as if, however distantly, they had a faith in faith and were grateful that we were giving faith fresh expression. This was deeply memorable and beyond disappointment.
Prayer
God of Peace,
Lift us now by the power of your Holy Spirit
to your presence,
where we may be still and know that you are God,
and guide us by the light of that vision
to know the things that belong to our peace,
so that our lives may reflect it
and our actions may establish it,
and our prayers may enable us to be your servants,
in times of tension and in places of conflict.
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