A Candlemas Pilgrimage
Turning left off the Hautbois Road A path leads past Golden Gates Pond. Ahead, the tower of Great Hautbois Church is a silhouette glimpsed through winter trees. Beneath the tower - Snowdrops, Candlemas Bells. We've come to St. Mary's Church to ponder the Feast of the Presentation. Did Mary travel to Jerusalem's temple to offer her own her flesh and blood, her baby Jesus to his Heavenly Father? Or was it to bring God to his Temple? Whatever was going on she is at the heart of the mystery. Simeon had it right. The boy child is the light that enlightens the Gentiles but the 2 turtle doves were just a down-payment. More would be given. Candlemas - one last look back to Christmas before turning our faces towards Passiontide and Good Friday. And a sword certainly pieced Mary's soul when she stood by the cross. In real time, fast military jets manoeuvre overhead and a war torn world comes into sharp focus. "Where is God!" We cry! On his cross! A