Dear Friends,
‘Are we nearly there, yet?’ - the cry of many a child on a long car journey.
Of course we know that the answer will vary depending on the circumstances. Traffic jams, diversions, accidents, getting lost, break downs are just a few of the possibilities, to which you can add your own.
The question is repeatedly asked as we approach the next steps on the governments road map for easing lock down restrictions. When can we sing in church, will we need to distance and wear masks after 21st June?
In spite of the impressive roll out of the vaccines in this country, there is still uncertainty about what restrictions will and will not be lifted later this month. The threat of a third wave is increasing, as we race to vaccinate more of the younger age groups, where the spread is most rapid.
So the answer to the question: ‘Are we nearly there, yet?’ is not at all certain. More patience, trust and a willingness to work together for the benefit of all is needed. These are qualities, or the fruit of God within us which apply to all times, people and places.
If we look at the bigger international picture, then it is clear that we are nowhere near the destination. There is far to go, as the rich nations are looking after their own, and not prepared to adequately share the vaccines, or make them affordable to the poorer nations.
God calls us to look beyond our immediate situation, to see the kingdom picture with its demands and hopes for all. This is hard and asks a lot of us; but is echoed in a sentence from this Sunday’s gospel in Mark 3: 33-35 – ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’
Peace
Tim