Puase, pray and remember

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This week Britain became the first country in Europe to record more than 100,000 COVID-related deaths. Politicians and medical advisors spoke of a 'grim milestone' for the nation. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York noted that the number of deaths is not just an abstract figure. Each number represents a unique human individual whose death leaves many thousands of others grieving. 

Reflecting on the sad news my own thoughts turn to those not numbered among the 100,000. Most, if not all, of who died during the year were in some way affected by the consequences of the pandemic as were their families and friends. They too will be remembered by those who knew them.

Beginning on 1 February, Archbishops Justin Welby and Stephen Cotterell invite us to join them in pausing to reflect on the enormity of the pandemic and to pray for each other at this time. Their message is one of consolation but also of hope. Because of Jesus, death doesn't have the last word. In God's kingdom, they remind us, every tear will be wiped away.

Gracious God,

as we remember before you the thousands who have died,
surround us and all who mourn with your strong compassion.
Be gentle with us in our grief,
protect us from despair,
and give us grace to persevere
and face the future with hope
in Jesus Christ our risen Lord.
Amen.

To everything there is a season

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This Wednesday Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the new President of the United States. Many months of campaigning and several weeks of wrangling over the result will finally come to an end. With concerns over violent protests already overshadowing the event the inauguration of the 46th President seems set to be like no other that the 'land of the free' has known.

Since the election in November, Senator Biden has spoken often about the need for a healing process to begin. 2020 was a difficult year for Americans. As elsewhere in the world, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic heightened tensions over social inequalities and ingrained prejudice. Conspiracy theories and mistrust led to rioting in many cities las summer. President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris face significant challenges as they seek to heal rifts and the nation in this new season of political life.

Similar challenges lie ahead in Britain, in Europe and across the world. Few countries have escaped the impact of COVID-19. Businesses and public services alike have struggled to manage the consequences of the pandemic. Either unemployment or extreme pressures in the workplace have affected millions of individuals and families. Existing inequalities and longstanding resentments continue to produce social tensions in many local communities. Healing rifts and rebuilding nations could be the most significant worldwide challenge in 2021. 

As Wednesday's inauguration takes place many will be praying that 20th January 2021 marks not just a new presidency but also a commitment to healing and rebuilding in the season that is just beginning. 

To everything there is a season; a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3)

In such a time as this

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I lift up my eyes to the mountains –
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

We live in 'interesting times', as the Chinese proverb puts it. One the one hand, COVID-19 is spreading at an alarming rate. Recent restrictions imposed on daily life in the attempt to halt the progress of the virus have yet to have any measurable effect. On the other hand, the rapid roll out of the vaccination programme is encouraging. There is at least some hope that in the coming weeks or months the relentless spread of the virus might be slowed down to a manageable level. 

At times such as this it is difficult to know what to think...how to act...what to do...what to say? 

Psalm 121 suggests we might do worse than to try raising our eyes from our immediate surroundings to the hills above and beyond. These ancient words that have inspired hymn writers and composers down the centuries offer wisdom as the journey of 2021 unfolds.

We are not the first generation of humans to face the dilemma of times such as these. 

 

Travelling hopefully

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As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold...so, most gracious God, may we, evermore be led to thee.  (W. Chatterton Dix: 1858). 

Christmas has been and gone. December's anxiety over what Christmas 2020 could or should be like has given way to arguments as to when and how the new school term can or should begin. Four days into 2021 there is general uncertainty as to what this New Year might bring.

In liturgical terms, the season of Christmas is not yet over. January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, marks the official end of Christmas. Two weeks after Christmas Day Christians remember the magi who, after a long journey involving at least one significant detour, finally reached their destination.

2021 begins with much uncertainty. The journey through the pandemic seems likely to be a long one. There will be difficulties and detours on the way.  Like the magi, we continue to move steadily onwards, travelling in hope towards a destination as yet unknown.