Thought for the Week

Warmest Greetings after such a wonderful summer. I hope it has been good to you too.

I got reconnected with a number of old friends from my school days during the fine warm days in August. Many of them have not changed in more than 50 years, I jest.

At the tender age of 73, we reflected on how the journey had treated us, what had we done, and relationships along the way were a big topic.

We were sad to see our nearest neighbour and friend, Rev Calum McLeod from The Old Parish Church retire this summer. It’s never easy to say goodbye.

I was also given a nice book to read during the summer which gave me an interesting insight into why relationships are so important on life’s journey.

The book is called The Divine Dance, written by Richard Rohr and he uses the icon painted by Andrei Rublev in the 15th century to great effect in talking about our relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit as an enrichment to all our friendships and relationships. What an interesting read!

Summer has now passed and I find myself in Pluscarden Abbey, which is situated seven miles from Elgin in a quiet peaceful valley with an abundance of pheasants.

Over the last 50 years I have been able to cycle around most of Scotland and few places are as nice as our surroundings here.

I reflected and rested for five very pleasant days in good company, but I am now leaving to return to a busy week in our community in Rutherglen.

The Icon of Jesus the Teacher will be in St Columbkille’s this weekend – all are welcome – and next weekend will be a time to remember all the young fallen as The Great War ended in 1918. Patrick A Hennessy St Columbkille’s Church