Thought for the week

HAPPY New Year

How many times have you heard this said or messaged to you during the past week?

Though in reality this year, few of us feel ‘happy’ about our present situation during the Covid pandemic.

In fact, presently in ‘Lockdown’ our lives are stripped to basics – the need to keep well, to keep fed and to keep in touch with others.

I have come to recognise over the years that when we are faced, as we are today, with difficult times, our faith also is stripped back to basics.

When Jesus was asked for the most important commandment, he said: ‘ You shall love the Lord your God’ ….’and your neighbour as yourself.’ When challenged ‘Who is my neighbour?’ Jesus then told the ‘Parable of the Good Samaritan.’

During this past year we have witnessed many acts of compassion, kindness, support, and love by staff in our hospitals, Nursing and Care Homes, shops, schools, and communities.

More than ever today, as we face this cruel pandemic, we are seeing evidence of acts of ‘love of our neighbour’.

Many are taking real risks themselves to help and care for others, just as the Good Samaritan did.

We so value them for their compassion, dedication, and love.

And not only those on the frontline but also those working behind the scenes. We particularly think of the work and dedication of all the scientists who have enabled a Covid vaccine to become a reality for 2021.

Now, we give thanks for the help and support many have found in their faith, we pray today for healing and peace for those affected by this virus, and we look forwards with hope to the New Year.