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It's a small world

If we've ever needed any indication as to the idea of the "global village", then we could surely say that the predicament that we're in at the moment is it!  Coronavirus Covid-19 is one of the most universal diseases that we've encountered in living memory.  It has attacked people and countries all over the world without discrimination of creed, colour or background.  Our responses have been varied, but the one constant is in our prayers for healing and comfort to those affected.

Within our own parish of Aghavea, I'm already aware of families and people affected by Covid-19, and the experts predict that it's going to get a lot worse before it gets any better - indeed, they even predicted a "second wave" for later this year.  Who knows what will happen, even for tomorrow?

One positive thing for me to come from this season of attack is that I have now connected with Christians all over the world online.  I have been conducting online services each weekday and Sunday, and to encourage as many as I can, I've made all my posts Public, so anyone can read them.  I have been contacted by friends in India, Nigeria, Uganda, Ivory Coast, USA, Argentina, Paraguay, Solomon Islands, Australia, and many more countries!  Our prayers for them are strengthened by their prayers for us - as we all pray for each other in our own traditions.

When we get out of the current season, we will have to think imaginatively to keep these links alive and vibrant, remembering each other in our prayers and lives.  Surely this is a fulfilment of the passage in tonight's lectionary reading in Jeremiah 32: 37-41 -

See, I am going to gather them from all the lands to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation; I will bring them back to this place, and I will settle them in safety. They shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for all time, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them, never to draw back from doing good to them; and I will put the fear of me in their hearts, so that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing good to them, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.

 We are God's people, gathered from all the lands, being brought together into God's presence.  Let us continue to share the one heart and one way - loving each other in Christ's name, and for his glory.

Rector



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