Voices from the wilderness

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

 A voice cries:“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

Budget Day. A year ago today Rishi Sunak, who had been in post for just a matter of weeks, presented his first Budget. Two weeks later Britain entered what turned out to be the first of three lockdowns. Then, as now, the Christian church was in the season of Lent. COVID-19 was about to lead us all into a 'wilderness experience' that has changed pretty much everything.

As the official 'Stay at Home-Protect the NHS-Save Lives' message took hold of the nation and social distancing became the 'new normal', video calling quickly became a way of life.  With news programmes keen to interview just about everyone with an opinion to share or a story to tell, the voice of anyone with access to the appropriate equipment and a reliable internet connection could now be heard.  

Today's budget statement will be watched with interest. Many voices will be heard as the proposals are dissected by the media. Amidst the clamour for support for hard hit businesses, other voices are at risk of going unheard. In the coming days there will be both changes to negotiate and opportunities to grasp. Nothing will be the same again but, for those with ears to hear and eyes to see, this is to be welcomed rather than feared.

Lockdown#3 brought with it not only a weariness but a growing concern that we have not done well in listening to the already disadvantaged in our midst. As we slowly make our way to the next 'new normal', listening to the voices crying in the wilderness might just be the start in shaping the future we will share.