It has been noticeable this year how many visitors have been around the Cathedral over the summer; many day-trippers from around the wider area but also many more overseas visitors.
I don’t suppose there are more than we were used to pre-covid but it struck me how good it is to get back to ‘normal’ and have lots of visitors – during the week and at services. It is something I have always enjoyed over my time here, welcoming folk to the place we are blessed to call home.
I suppose if I am honest, though, we are all suckers for a bit of flattery! When visitors eulogise about Dunkeld and the Cathedral with its long story there’s always an element of pride in showing off what is ours……  everyday!
On a less conceited note, however, it is not bad thing to see your own place through fresh eyes. Familiarity does breed contempt or at the very least apathy and boredom. Years ago, when I went to be interviewed for my first Parish, it was a particularly grim February weekend and I remember looking out over the landscape and saying to one of the elders ‘you know there’s a beauty about it even on a day like this.’ He had lived there all his life and seen every side to the place and replied ‘well I fail to see it.’ I took my enthusiasm to be a sign of a call to the place! There is no harm in getting an injection of enthusiasm and seeing what we have through fresh eyes.
But all these folk passing through is also a reminder of how diverse and interesting the spectrum of humanity is and yet how similar we all are. We all link together and can make connections with folk from all over. The message of the Gospel is that our common humanity, embodied in Christ, unites us all. The African concept of Ubuntu has become popular recently, which I think means something like ‘I am because you are, or because we are.’ We are not a bunch of individuals who occasionally bump into each other but our identity is tied up in relation to others. There is something very attractive about that idea, reminding us that ‘no man/woman is an island’ but we are enriched by relating to each other.
Which takes us right to the heart of what Jesus taught.
How do we do what God wants, he was once asked?
Love God with all your heart, mind soul and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.’

Fraser Penny