Ps 84; Gen 28.10-17; 1 John 1.1-5
Jacob, having discerned the revealed presence of the divine in that place where he found rest, declared
“Surely, the Lord is in this place – and I did not know it!”
It’s a wonderful sentiment; and one that is easy to understand – especially when seated in this house of prayer, that has been a beacon of faithfulness and worship for the broader community for so long.
But: while today we honour and celebrate that this place was designated a Cathedral some 100 years ago, we recognise that
Our praise is not limited to one day or year:
because God is not limited to one day or year.
That our worship is not limited to one building or place:
because God is not limited to one building or place
And that the church is not limited to one congregation:
because the people of God is an organic, living, family of the faithful.
For the presence of God – the connection between this world and the heavenly realm – is eternal, ongoing, in ways that are surprising, encouraging, comforting, and powerful.
The power of the Spirit moves in ways that are more than we can ask or imagine. And we do not know how God’s holy name will continue to be known, recognised, and worshipped in this place long after we have all gone.
But we do know that today: we give thanks.
We give thanks for the past: for without the faithful stewardship and commitment of those who were here before, we would not be here today.
We give thanks for the present: for the love and actions of so many help to give us the privilege to gather, and praise, and worship almighty God in such a place as this.
We give thanks for what is yet to come: the people who will respond to the dreams and visions that God has already put into their hearts, as together we profess and teach that “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.”
God’s presence is wherever the people of God may come.
As the psalmist prayed: Happy are they who dwell in your house! They will always be praising you.
So let us pray and praise indeed.
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