Watching and waiting

Picture the scene. Mary sits quietly at the front of the house in Bethany that she shares with her sister Martha and their brother Lazarus. Martha is busy in the kitchen. Lazarus is most unwell and has not left his room for several days. Yesterday the two sisters, anxious and fearful, agreed it was time to get word to their friend Jesus about their brother's condition. Now, each in their own way, is watching and waiting.

Across the world many today find themselves alone at home. Some, like Mary and Martha, have someone in the family who is currently unwell. In Britain an increasing number of people are either self isolating or have been instructed to stay home both for their own safety and for the greater good. Anxious and fearful, the world is watching and waiting.

In the Christian calendar this coming Sunday is known as Passion Sunday. This is the moment when we turn our eyes to Jerusalem and prepare to tell once again the events of Holy Week. In confidence, and with hope, we watch and we wait.