A Fitting Tribute? Reflection

Can you identify these people?

Why were they famous? Freddy Mercury (lead singer of Queen – 1980’s) David Bowie (Rock legend in the 1970’s) What else do they have in common? Freddy Mercury died quite young from HIV related illness. David Bowie died this week of cancer which he kept secret from the world.

Paying Tribute Lots of ordinary people have mourned the death of famous people, or people they didn’t know (as in the Paris bombings) and they show their sorrow in many different ways… Through Silence – at rock concerts, football matches or in the streets in Paris. Through flowers or written tributes (often left at a significant place) Sometimes through prayer or reflection (think about the ‘Pray for Paris’ Facebook campaign)

Unexpected Tribute When Freddy Mercury died, a concert was held in his memory. David Bowie attended, and addressed the crowd with a very unexpected tribute to his fellow musician. Watch the clip. /watch?v=ANQspcmfhJU

Why? David Bowie was not a Christian, but did say that he believed in God’s existence. However, he wanted to pay a fitting tribute to his friend that he felt had depth and meaning. He chose a traditional prayer that has been prayed by millions of people over thousands of years.

Our Father… This prayer reminds Christians: That God is all- powerful, but still close, like a good Father. To be grateful for everything we have To love their neighbour as they love themselves

To think about..or pray Regardless of religious belief (or lack of it) – how might this teaching from the Lord’s Prayer affect our school community if we all signed up to it?