Good morning all,

Today we have a short reflection based on this week’s readings.

Lectionary readings for Sunday 22nd March 2020 – Lent 4 (Year A)

• 1 Sm 16:1-13
• Ps 23
• Eph 5:8-14
• Jn 9:1-41

I don’t believe it is any coincidence that Psalm 23 appears on our lectionary readings for this week. A week that has seen our supermarket shelves emptied not just of toilet paper, but many other staple food supplies. A week that has seen our borders closed and many of the personal freedoms we take for granted eroded. A week that has seen our church doors close, temporarily but for an unknown amount of time. With the constant barrage from the media, it is easy to get caught up in the hype and the panic as we feel like we are standing in a very dark valley. 

Psalm 23 reminds us that as we face this COVID-19 pandemic, we are not alone, and there is no need to be afraid. God is always with us. David says:- 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” 

David was confident in the fact that whatever happened in life, whatever evil might come his way, he could stand firm and be strong because he knew without a doubt that the Lord was standing right there next to him. 

In these uncertain times, we too can have that same confidence. Our Lord, Jesus Christ is always with us. His spirit lives inside us. In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul tells us that this spirit is not a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. Let us remember that God is in control of all situations and is working them all together for our good. 

If you start to feel anxious, remember Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6-7:- 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Amongst all the panic and the hysteria, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience a peace and calmness that surpasses human understanding. We can act with generosity and love towards one another, especially those who are most vulnerable. 

We may be lamenting the fact that we cannot meet at church on Sundays for worship, but we must remember that the church is not a building. We are the church. God’s people are the church. And the role of the church is to take the love of Jesus to a lost and broken world. In our Gospel reading today from John 9, Jesus says in verse 5:- 

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says:- 

“You are the light of the world….let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

While Jesus was on earth, he was the light of the world. Through the Holy Spirit, he makes all of us a light to the world now. 

Most of us have never seen the world more lost or broken than it is right now. As we walk through this darkest of valleys, let us offer all those we come in contact with, either personally, on the phone or via internet, a sign of peace amongst the chaos. Let’s show everyone the love, grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ and the hope he offers to all people. We can still BE the church even if we are not DOING church! 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom 15:13