Weaving connections: a cathedral, a market, an art gallery, and a pub

A big day today with much to reflect upon. But... the problem with big days is they're very tiring and tomorrow is a very early start. So it's quick thoughts only.

What do a cathedral, a market, an art gallery and a pub all have in common? Among many possible answers is: people! In today's experiences it means lots of people. St Paul's was chockers with tourists (from a dizzying array of places); Borough Market was as busy as Salamanca, but it's only Thursday (oh, the food!); the Tate Modern draws a substantial crowd to view some wonderful artwork; and the Albert squished us all in for our "getting to know you dinner". And in each of these places people were consuming.

It's somewhat disturbing to stand awestruck in front of a Monet and then realize that others only pause long enough to have their photo taken in front of it before they're off to repeat the performance in front of the Kandinsky. Similarly, the hordes of foodies descending on the market stalls are there because it's a fashionable thing to do as much as for the food. But more disturbing is the extreme popularity of St Paul's. Why the long queues full of people of many faiths and no faith? What are they there to consume?

In the midst of the bustle and noise, it was reassuring to see some folk sitting quietly, absorbing more than just the magnificence of the architecture. But is God any more present in a cathedral than in the art gallery? Or in someone's kitchen? Is quiet contemplation more likely to lead to an experience of the divine just because it's in St Paul's?

I had an interesting chat with a priest who led one of the brief services held regularly while the crowds come and go. "Is there a regular congregation which gathers here?" The answer was unsurprising: Yes - small in number and made up of folk who travel from a wide variety of locations. Very little, if any, sense of connectedness with the community which surrounds St Paul's. It's extraordinary beautiful, but what is its connection with the mission of God?

What was far more interesting to me was an incidental (or should that be accidental?) observation at the market: Where do people go to eat their delicacies? We ate ours sitting on the kerb. But many others were making use of the surrounds of Southwark Cathedral conveniently located next door. And there it appeared that the local congregation had put out tables and chairs for no other reason than to be of service. Is this connectedness with the mission of God?