Yesterday…
…I learnt that a friend has to go to Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge for an ‘Ablation’. Mr Google told me that a cardiac ablation is a treatment for irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Catheters are inserted, moved to the correct position inside the heart, and the area that’s causing the arrhythmia is destroyed. A normal heartbeat is then restored.
The former journalist and publisher Michael Wynn Jones, husband of former television chef Delia Smith, died on Monday. The couple had been major share-holders of Norwich City Football Club; more recently he was the cub’s honorary life president. The news showed him wearing a Norwich City scarf; the reporter said ‘Norwich City yellow was always round his neck and close to his heart’.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were talking to Sir Kevin Sinfield, on the third day of his endurance challenge. He’s aiming to complete seven ultra marathons in seven days, to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charities. Because his former teammate Rob Burrow died from the disease in 2024 it’s a cause that’s close to his heart. ‘What you’re doing is so inspiring – the unity that you’re building,’ Catherine told Sir Kevin.
This morning my Bible reading included the end of Malachi that’s about turning ‘the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents…’ It’s about unity of hearts.
In West Side Story Tony and Maria have declared their love for each other, to each other and they sing:
Make of our hands one hand,
Make of our hearts one heart,
Make of our vows one last vow:
Only death will part us now.
I’ve reflected on ‘hearts’ all my life – the kind-hearted, broken-hearted, half-hearted… pure hearts, troubled hearts, heavy hearts… United hearts are desperately needed in our homes, communities, churches, politics…
…Perhaps united hearts come by loving God with all our hearts… and our neighbour as ourself.
…Perhaps that’s a normal heartbeat, restored by a spiritual ablation.
Lovely bit of writing, Malcolm. I recently had an ablation for atrial fibrillation. It, undoubtedly, saved my life. Tony and Maria’s song is beautiful. I had forgotten about it and I’m so happy you included it.
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Thanks, Jim. The song is often overlooked, but it’s such an important part of West Side Story. In my view it’s the equivalent of the Romeo and Juliet wedding scene – which adds to the tragedy.
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“Spiritual ablation,” well done, Malcolm.
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It certainly has a Christian meaning, Dans. I think that some of my friends who wouldn’t describe themselves as Christians would see a spiritual application too.
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“United hearts are desperately needed in our homes, communities, churches, politics…” Amen, Malcolm! Hope your friend is okay!
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Indeed, Wynne. Too often it seems that disagreement and confrontation – telling people why they are wrong – is the way folks approach each other.
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Restored by a spiritual ablation. Yes!
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I don’t see why not, Joy. For years I’ve heard about ‘clean hearts’.
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