Is it a sheep? Is it a lion? Is it a chicken? No, it's the Bishop's garden!!

Today is the forth Sunday after Easter, and as such we are still in the Eastertide period, that could partly explain the Bishop's inspiration to talk about chickens today in his sermon.

All of his sermons recently have made references to how we resemble certain animals in some ways, and today was no different. He spoke today of chickens, and how they are very vulnerable, but that they do have a certain element of survival instinct (which often involves running away). He said how that when they drink they take a very quick sip of water and then look up straight away to ensure that the situation is still safe for them. This reminds us that when we receive a small gift from God that we should look up to heaven and give Him thanks. In fact we should constantly be looking up to heaven, as we should always be giving thanks to God. As Christians we can be very vulnerable, but unlike the chickens we should not run away. Our Lord will protect us, so long as we believe and trust in Him.

The Bishop said that he had been thinking of chickens as a while back he was considering keeping chickens in his garden at home. These would make a rather nice addition to the sheep that have been known to occupy his garden through a hole in the fence. To the best of my knowledge he has no plans for a lion, but a hippo and a herd of shetland ponies have been mentioned. Perhaps he should have a kind of land based Noah's Ark....or rather Bishop's Ark!!!!

During the week Bishop damien had asked me if I would like to join him for mass at Rochester today, after mass at Canterbury. As I have previously mentioned, the Bishop currently conducts mass at Rochester on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month to cover for Father Ray while he continues to recover from his operation.

So after mass today Bishop Damien, Roy and I headed for Rochester. Services there are held at the Fort Pitt Military Cemetery Chapel. I believe that the Royal Engineers are responsible for this and they are very kind in allowing us to use it. It is set in well tended cemetery gardens, and is quite tranquil in it's setting.

I also had the great pleasure in meeting Father Ray, he seemed a very warm and genuine man, and it was easy to see why the Bishop speaks highly of him. He made me feel very welcome. I really do pray that his recovery continues and that his voice is soon fully returned to him. Currently he is able to speak in a hushed type of voice, but we are all praying for him, so I am sure that it wont be long before his voice returns to full power. I know that he means a lot to many, church and family included. I would ask anyone reading this to please also pray for Father Ray's continued recovery.

After mass at Rochester Bishop Damien, Roy and I had dinner (or late lunch!!) together at a restaurant near the cinema in Rochester (many thanks to Roy, as it was he that treated us!). After this we headed back to Ashford to take me home, but first we stopped at Maidstone services on the M20 for a latte at Costa Coffee there.

Then it was just a case of getting dropped of at home for me, and then continuing on to Lydd for the Bishop and Roy.

All in all it was a most enjoyable day (despite the weather)!

Until next time.....maybe the Bishop could consider getting a lama!!!