A touching experience in Café Rouge

Towards the end of our meal the man came over and said nervously, "I hope you don't mind, but I have just paid for your lunch". "Er. no" I said, "I don't mind at all. But why?" "Well", he said, "I wanted to say thank you for the Abbey. We're not religious, we don't go to services, but the boys and I love coming every week.

"We light a candle and walk around a bit. We just love being there". I tried to ask him more, but he repeated he "wasn't religious", and fled.

It was a very touching experience. So many people are drawn to the Abbey for different reasons. Some come when they are joyful, to say thank you. Some come when they are sad or scared, to weep or light a candle. Some leave prayers or messages for departed loved ones. Yet many of them still say they are not religious.

Of course I would love them all to come to services, and to know Christ and the Gospel clearly. But I am still deeply grateful that they come, like countless others down the centuries. Religious or not, they feel a warm presence that has seeped into the stones of the place.

And one day I know they will discover that the 'something' that draws them is really a Someone, Someone who is always there for us, and always waiting for us to come home.

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