Blogs in a time of coronavirus

Last Sunday, the 4 th in Lent, is frequently observed as Mothering Sunday, though this year there was little opportunity for the normal family gatherings. But that itself can be an opportunity, to reflect on the nature of family, and of love, both of which can and do exist in the absence of physical proximity. But in an older tradition, it is sometimes called ‘Refreshment Sunday’, which offered a respite from the rigorous observance of the fasting and abstinence traditionally observed in Lent. But this has been a strange Lent, compelling us to give up things we would not normally have chosen to give up - and again that might be an opportunity to reflect on what we really need. We might find we don’t need so many things; the sight of greedy and frightened panic buying challenging us to ask if we are not perhaps too dependent on ‘stuff’. Christians might ask – how do we get Refreshment when the cafes, pubs and restaurants we usually frequent, and the company we enjoy with friends...

So - now we have all been ‘grounded’. For Jo and me, that is not (at present) too problematic: we have each other, we live in easy access to open country – and we are both introverts, so keeping social distance is normal! But for others, it may be difficult, and if the restrictions last for a long time, we will all struggle. Has the Christian tradition any insights? For a start, there is much in the Bible about the spiritual benefits of solitude. Moses spent six days alone on Mount Sinai, before he entered into the presence of the Lord for another 40 days ( Exodus 24:15-18 .) Elijah too spent a full day and night on Horeb – after a 40-day solitary trek across the desert – before he experienced the presence of God in the ‘still small voice’ ( 1 Kings 19:12 .) The wilderness was a lonely place, but also where one met the Lord; the Lord tells Hosea he will lead Israel into the desert and there ‘speak tenderly to her’ ( Hosea 2:14 .) And in this season of Lent, we spend time with...

Prayer, not anxiety Despite being the son of a professional worrier, I haven’t in fact been worried about this coronavirus – more disturbed by the effect it is having in so many ways. But it might be worth starting with a reflection on anxiety. Let’s start with Paul’s advice: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’                      Philippians 4:5-7 This advice is not a simplistic ‘don’t worry’. Paul gives reasons, and grounds his appeal in the reality of God, and his revealed purpose for his creation. Experience shows us that anxiety is counter-productive; it do...