Light shines in the darkness – particularly in times of Covid

Mae MacDonald (Letters, Oct 29) cites a section of the Gospel according to Matthew when reminding me of the importance of gathering for spiritual fellowship: For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.

Spirituality can seem like something nebulous or only to be fleetingly glimpsed at, a bit like an eagle on a telegraph pole as a train races over mountain moorland. If the train grinds to a halt, though, we are then forced to take much greater stock of our surroundings.

In 2001 I came to work temporarily at Dalmally surgery as a relief GP. At that time foot-andmouth and the resulting farming crisis saw a number of restrictions on countryside access or activities. My plans for a season of skiing, fishing and walking were seriously disrupted; but God sometimes steps into what seems like random chaos to us, and gifts us a chance to take stock of life and explore spiritual matters.

As a militant atheist for many years, obsessed with outdoor activities and partying, it was a shock to have time to take stock of existential or spiritual issues. Over several weeks I explored the case for Christ in considerable detail and was shocked at just how much positive evidence there is for faith. I started attending Glenorchy Parish Church, and much to the amazement of friends and family in Ireland, went on to profess faith. This started an amazingly exciting life adventure.

Mae MacDonald is right to stress the importance of the positive message of hope which the Church brings to individuals and communities. The pandemic situation has the capacity to drive any of us to despair at times. We can easily get depressed as negative Covid news items unfold around the clock. It is good to knock the dust off the Bible and know that the light shines in the darkness.

Dr James Hardy, Belfast.