The three geese flying in formation represent the journey that St Mary's-Greyfriars' linked with Caerlaverock is taking with God.
The union of St Mary's and Greyfriars' as one church is represented by one of the geese and the linkage with Caerlaverock is represented by another. The third goose, the one in front, represents God. The ancient Celts used the wild goose as an image for the Holy Spirit.
Here in Dumfries and Caerlaverock we are very aware of the geese flying over our heads on their great migratory routes. We lift our heads as we hear them and we watch them fly in formation; and we pray that we may travel in formation with God and with one another.
When we watch the geese we catch a glimpse of a long journey that has been going on for millennia. Watching the geese encourages us to think that we are also on a long journey.
As individuals we are on a long journey; we must commit to travelling closer to God as he leads and instructs us. On this journey we learn of our destination but realise that none of us are "there" yet. We have much learning, living and serving to do before we get there.
As a community we are on a long journey. We must commit to travelling together, looking out for one another, caring for those who lag behind. None of us benefit from flying solo, each of us benefits from travelling together and sharing on the way.
And as the body of Christ we are on a long journey; we must commit to where God has placed us on this journey - to the people around us, to the planet we live on. These are turbulent times, but these are the times and this is the place where God has placed us to travel. It is so easy to bed down and forget that we need to keep going. It is so easy to rest and be silent. But that is not the nature of the goose! God has entrusted us with this leg of the journey - to commit to him and one another and encourage others to lift their heads and hear and see God in this place, as real as the geese that fly over our heads.
To God be the glory.
