Love Your Neighbour
Over the last week the level of concern over the coronavirus has stepped up more than a few notches. The news headlines continue to be dominated by the topic and social media is full of questions and comments about it; some helpful, some humorous and some just daft.
It is hard to keep up with the pace of change and the implications of those changes. Early last week the churches closed for public worship and , and other social venues were ordered to close. Because people are still not following the social distancing guidelines, the government is warning that it might need to go down the route of other countries and enforce them.
The knock on effect of these changes has been huge and I am sure we all know people who have lost jobs, or who’s businesses have been destroyed by the economic impact of the virus. And there is more to come.
As a friend of mine put it, “It feels like I’m the co-star in a really **** disaster movie!”
In my lifetime I have never seen anything like the impact that this is having on society. And I know that a lot of people are worried and fearful as the virus continues to grow. However, the human race has faced many similar challenges of disease, or war (and more) in the past, with nothing like the resources and infrastructure at their disposal we have today.
A crisis like this seems to bring out the worst and the best in human behaviour. We see the worst in the panic buying and in people unwilling to take the social distancing advice. We see the best in the way that people are helping each other.
Alongside all of the ‘dark’ news coverage there have been reports of people all over the country setting up community support groups to look out for and support their neighbours. As I phone round our local villages to see what they have in place, I am impressed over and over again by the massive sense community spirit as people recognise that we are all in this together and look to help one another.
In his sermon on 22nd March the Archbishop of Canterbury warned that if we look inwards, “...we will only reveal the limits of our own resources and that will lead to deeper fear and selfishness.”
Where is your focus?
When we turn our eyes outwards to those around us, it helps to set us free from our fears and helps others around us to do the same. It is why such behaviour is in the heart of Jesus’ teaching when he commands his followers to love their neighbour.
If we are currently in a disaster movie, then we are entering the darker parts of the story, where the problems are mounting and the way forward seems impossible. A time when many of the dodgy characters in the movie will be looking after themselves and ignoring the needs of others. But the heroes of the film always find a way forward, care for those around them, and in the end they triumph over adversity.
So as we follow the guidelines on social distancing, and as we enter into the darker parts of this story, can I encourage you to seek out ways of looking out for others around you. You might be self isolating, but there are many people that would welcome a phone call, or a positive message by email or Facebook. Contact your parish council, your community support groups or local church leaders and ask what you can do to help.
In short love like Jesus… but wash your hands like Pontius Pilate!
Rev Barry Jackson