April 8th

As we continue to journey towards the cross, more so than ever, we are all on our own journey, struggling with the “new norm” that Covid-19 has brought upon us. Out of the despair, grief and sadness however I, like so many, have been humbled and uplifted by the daily acts of human kindness and compassion that we are all witnessing in our society.

We have stood together and applauded and cheered for our NHS and all the key workers. We have seen over half a million people volunteer to support the NHS. We have seen local neighbourhoods pull together to make sure that the sick and vulnerable have sufficient food and medicines and so many people are just picking up the phone to check in on someone, to make sure that they are okay. Rainbows in windows have become the norm. This coming together of society through random acts of kindness and love – some so small, so simple that they almost don’t seem worthy and yet this is “being Christian”. This is what Jesus asks us to do:

Matthew 25: 40: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'”.

The following verse from the song “10,000 Reasons” gives me strength, particularly in these difficult times. Strength to carry on and do what I can to serve God’s kingdom and his people (no matter how small a gesture that may be) day after day.

It’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes

Graham Lewis