You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3 v 12
Yesterday we thought about how the church is still alive and active, even though most of our buildings are closed. I believe it’s true that all God’s people in all places at this challenging time are seeking ways to grow in confidence in sharing hope and encouragement with others in whatever way they can.
Being thankful for our daily blessings, being grateful for the goodness of others and being aware that prayer is being answered and is making a difference, are things we can repeat and notice in our daily routine.
I was deeply encouraged yesterday by members of the Mayfield and Newtongrange communities who have been thinking about and planning ways to bring volunteers together to get food to those who, for whatever reason, have none at this time. I was also very moved to hear from a family member working in the NHS about how when they went between 7am and 8am to the frontline NHS slot at the supermarket for shopping yesterday, they were greeted by the shop staff giving them hot drinks and donuts. So, we can see, after our TFTD on Tuesday that reminded us to appreciate and acknowledge the sacrificial service of those in our NHS, all those prayers and thoughts have moved the nation to more kindness and indeed to a collective act that will happen this evening.
“To thank the NHS staff who are working tirelessly throughout the ongoing Corona virus pandemic in the UK, Thursday 26 March will see a #ClapForOurCarers event dedicated to them. The Clap For Our Carers campaign will see people across the UK applaud NHS workers from the doorsteps, balconies or windows of their homes, in order to say thank you for all of their hard work.”
Even if you are not a key worker going out to serve at this time, from your home, when you nurture a spirit of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, you contribute to the big picture; the local, national and global situation that we are all in together.
Prayer for today:
O Great Love, thank you for living and loving in us and through us. May all that we do flow from our deep connection with you and all beings. Help us become a community that vulnerably shares each other’s burdens and the weight of glory. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our world. [Please add your own intentions.] Knowing you are hearing us better than we are speaking, we offer these prayers in all the holy names of God, Amen .
(Fr Richard Rohr- Centre for Action and Contemplation)