Gone… And Forgotten?

Yesterday…

…Staying in Branston, just outside Lincoln, we noticed the village war memorial. One plaque read:

‘This cross of peace was is set up by the people of Branston in loving remembrance of the people from this parish who gave their lives in the Great War and in devout thankfulness for the preservation of the lives of the 130 men who were spared to come back. Lest we forget.’

There’s a ‘memorial’… The Great War’s gone. Is it forgotten?

…Reading Richard Coles’ ‘A Death in the Parish’. The church of St Thomas the Martyr is dedicated to Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. A stained glass window, depicting his martyrdom, tells the story ‘…not only of Thomas’s prestige as a churchman, but as a faithful servant of God. As a bishop he wore a mitre, signifying the tongues of flame that danced on the heads of the apostles at Pentecost…’

A bishop’s mitre? A funny hat? Its meaning for me was gone and forgotten.

…Enjoying a meal in ‘The Ferry Boat’ in village of Washingborough. I looked. No sea, no lake, no river… Why ‘The Ferry Boat?  

I learnt… The first ale house – 1547…. ‘The Ferry Boat’ was built (1625) on the banks of the River Witham, then a quarter of a mile wide… The landlord owned the ferry rights to the river, operating a crossing service till 1872… The river’s receded; it’s now some distance away.

Ferry boats – gone and forgotten; The Ferry Boat certainly isn’t.

This morning…

…Reading about Jesus washing his disciples’ feet:

‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you…

…A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’

Jesus’ example, his teaching… gone… and forgotten?