Thought for the week

My home is now my world. No sport, no catching up with friends, no trips, jobs under threat and a dwindling bank account. What’s left? Does it matter if I keep fit, what I wear, what I say? Will my loved ones remain safe? Will I get back to where I left off when it’s all over?

Our physical world has certainly shrunk but maybe that gives opportunity to explore our spiritual world. The Easter story begins with a group of people in a locked room. Like us they were wary of what was outside. John records the experience. ‘The disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you. Then he showed them his hands and side…Then he took a deep breath and breathed onto them.

“Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said.’

Jesus’ arrival changes everything. He promises them freedom from anxiety. He confirms that though crucified he is now alive again, and somehow everything will be OK. He ‘sends’ them, telling them that even in their vulnerability they have a God-given purpose to make a difference to the lives of others. Then horror of horrors, he breathes on them!

Shattered hopes and dreams, but then behind a closed door new hope. This is the heart of the Easter message. Lockdown does not apply to the transforming power of God’s presence. We can allow God to breathe his spirit on us and take us on a spiritual journey. A journey that perhaps we were too busy to consider until we too found ourselves locked away.

Julia Bartholomew