As delivered at BBC Radio Bristol this morning:
Sometimes on special occasions, I will be asked to say grace. This job, giving
thanks to God for the food, often falls the way of the clergy.
I try to keep it simple and, if possible, amusing. It is likely there are people
there who don't believe in a God who provides.
On such occasions you may hear the grace-sayer pray that we might be
mindful of the needs of others. At which point I develop guilt that my
three-course wedding banquet is not the rice and vegetables on which many
survive.
I have a slightly cumbersome relationship with luxury.
Bristol Cars is to unveil its first new model since 2004. The Bristol Bullet will be
a limited-edition sports car built to celebrate the company's founding 70 years
ago.
Part of me goes wow; another part ow.
They have just one showroom, on Kensington High Street. Customers have
included Sir Richard Branson, Bono and Liam Gallagher.
Is it OK to love luxury? Before I answer I recall that I too have a slightly better
car than I need. I try to give generously but I don't live inconspicuously.
Making luxury goods is someone's job. And you don't have to own a nice car to
enjoy looking at one.
So as long as you have a heart for the poor and a sense that your luxury goods
do not make you better than anyone else, I say good luck to you.
My wedding grace is this:
In a world where many are hungry we thank you for our food.
In a world where many are lonely we thank you for our company.
And in a world where many find it hard to start a conversation we thank you for
the wine.
Amen to that.
