Lockdown continues, isolation is beginning to wear us down, the future is still uncertain, the summer holidays (what?) are starting, the government is losing people’s trust, and new issues take over the front page. The extraordinary and worldwide reaction to the racism in USA is another “world changer”. Institutions are rocking. Many young people – black and white, men and women, are saying, “Yes Covid-19 is a killer… but so is racism”. And as feelings rise, so too does the counter-reaction. Society could then fragment, and intolerance threatens. What can the Christian Community do?
We need to gather and keep linked. Virtual meetings are a new and vital aspect of life. Not only will people work more from home, but social gatherings (we “went to” a wine tasting last week), services and prayer can happen over the internet. And there is one Spirit who unites people in different homes. We are linked. BUT, human beings need to be together. That is how we are wired. We need to help develop safe ways of keeping in touch – with no touch.
Jesus said,
“Again, I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two of three [or 60 of 150] come together in my name, there I am with them…”
The psalmist writes,
“I will lift up the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people” (116: 13-16).
Jesus said,
“Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” (John 6: 57)
Today the Anglican tradition of the church celebrates the gift of the Last Supper – a sacrament (a physical sign of invisible grace) given by Jesus to us. Paul writes, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26)
I think that People are only just realising how life-changing Covid-19 is. And a vaccine is not “just round the corner”. I believe that by the autumn there will be an urgent need for people of faith to gather, especially the elderly and alone. There could be significant mental ill-health as the nights close in. This must be an inter-generational gathering. We all need each other.
We must do all we can to enable church members to attend church. And this may mean multiple shorter services…
Food for thought…
Nigel
Respond