Prayer for Liverpool
Even in these most strange of times, its still amazing how God is at work. Initially one might not think so, and we’d be right to think that way – for our lives, our country, our planet has changed almost overnight because of this coronavirus, COVID-19. In the university where I work, everything changed in just a couple of days – our buildings are now locked and all our teaching and assessment is suddenly plunged into the sometimes-ethereal world of cyberspace. I realise now how much I miss my students – in terms of face-to-face contact and discussion. My lectures, in the normal fashion, are more conversation than anything else – and it’s not the same in front of a computer screen. Supporting our students, themselves now in a bizarrely different world, physically away from everyone else, is paramount for us and helping them through some very difficult encounters.
But there are some glimmers of hope in this strange, transient world; similar perhaps to those of Martha and Mary in Sunday’s gospel from St John (11:1-45); the glimmers of hope that if Jesus had only been there at the right time, then their brother Lazarus would have been saved. But then, as now, Jesus, the love of God and the spirit which works through all does not disappoint – and the miracle of Lazarus restored to life, ensues. We might not find them miracles, but all through this last week I have heard wonderful stories – small miracles in themselves perhaps; of how people are finding hope through so many different ways in these challenging times. Through new community and new church in an online fashion now; through renewed interests, talents and skills; through revisiting the common values which bind us all together in the volunteers and communities amassing to help each other and especially the vulnerable. The green shoots of hope are there, through things we can see and feel – and know that God loves us still. But we must wholly be aware of the tragic loss of life too, and the change for many of livelihoods at present and in the days to come. Just a few hours ago, I heard of a dear friend seriously ill with the virus; our prayers lie with him and many others. The tragedy of lost loved ones, and the painful realities of not being able to grieve or celebrate passed lives together must be totally appreciated. But our faith, our prayers can help sustain us in some small way through even such – in knowing that we are indeed within a Good Friday period of our life history; that will result in an Easter day – when life is restored and renewed when we can indeed properly revisit our nearest and dearest. For now, we follow the wisdom of those leading scientifically and medically, support those on the new clinical frontline by observing the best way and surest path through all this, and know that our prayers will be answered in the best possible way….through Jesus Christ our Lord. With my love and prayers for you all; stay safe…. Canon Mike
1 Comment
Brian Ashley
1/4/2020 11:00:14 am
Thank you Mike, for your erudite and comforting words. I loved the analogy with Good Friday, the bleak period in which we presently exist. But why does it take something as horrific as this pandemic to release the better nature of so many people (now that the supermarket savages have had their way). My hope is that, if anything positive can come from this nightmare in which we are living, it is that this renewed community spirit will be maintained. One day we shall be back in the Lady Chapel on Sunday morning listening to your "pears of wisdom"
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supporting you during these uncertain times AuthorLiverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter. Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God Archives
September 2022
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Prayer for Liverpool
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Liverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter.
Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk |