Bishop Harold's St Patrick's Day Sermon
'I want us to be known as people who make a godly history in our own generation.'
Speaking on St Patrick's Day in Down Cathedral, the Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Right Revd Harold Miller, evoked the Christian history of the site on the 400th anniversary of the Royal Charter and expressed his conviction that a transformed Community was within our grasp.
The Bishop referred to another anniversary - the 150th of the religious revival that swept through the province in 1859 - remarking that one of his predecessors, Bishop Robert Knox, had led the prayer meetings at the Music Hall in Belfast.
Moving forward to the events of the past ten days, the Bishop spoke of 'a critical time in the life of this land' and of a determination that we would move forward together and not return to the devastation of the past years. 'I want us to be known as people who make a godly history in our own generation, and for generations still to come..' he said.
Bishop Miller commended politicians, the security forces, community leaders, trade unions, the media, schools and churches for the impressive way they had responded to recent events. He also spoke of the privilege of ministering this week with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dromore, the Most Revd Dr John McAreavey.
Turning to 2 Chronicles 7:14, Bishop Harold remarked that this verse, often used in Northern Ireland in the days of the 'troubles', was perhaps in danger of being forgotten at a time when we needed it most. He then called upon the Churches in Ireland to fulfil their most important role; 'To humble ourselves, and pray and turn from our wicked ways'.
Referring to the symbolism of the purple ribbon worn by many pilgrims, the Bishop spoke of three things vital in any community- lamentation, fasting and prayer and repentance - all tasked to the Church. 'If the Church does not pray on behalf of the community, who will?' he asked.
2 Chronicles 7:14
'If my people, who are called by my name
will humble themselves
and pray
and turn from their wicked ways
Then
I will hear from heaven,
and forgive their sin,
and heal their land.'
'That', said Bishop Harold, 'is what we commit ourselves to this St Patrick's Day. That's what will ensure that we don't move back into the morass of evil. That is what will transform our Community into a Community of love, hope and vision for the future.'