Janet Driver

A few years ago John and I took the train to Norwich for a day out... we walked along by the river and eventually found the Cathedral... do look on the website of Norwich Cathedral to discover what a beautiful place it is... its also a very holy space... very silent... and we soon discovered that they had times of the day when the Cathedral was kept open for silent prayer... one could certainly sense the presence of people praying within that place with its depth of silence... and then as we later walked into a side chapel we saw this painting... and stood looking at it, wondering who the elderly man was... we guessed the artist was portraying him as holding the Christ Child, from the sense of awe and wonder in his face and the light which seemed to be shining from the baby... At first I thought it must have been representing Joseph holding the baby... but I think it is actually meant to be Simeon, the elderly priest in the Temple when Mary and Joseph went to present the child and give thanks for his birth [ St Luke ch 2 v 25 - 35 ... ] I'm so glad I found the photo I took of this painting, so that I could share it with you today: for today, 2nd February, is when we celebrate and remember this event... and remember the awe of Simeon as he realised how special this baby is, and forsaw how he would be a light to enlighten all people... I found this painting communicated that sense of wonder to me, and I hope it renews a sense of awe and wonder for you as well...