This weekend, Mike Hyde who worships at St Mary’s C of E in Wymeswold has shared his thoughts on ‘Signs of God’s mercy and love’.
Reading: Psalm 25
Signs of Mercy
I am sure we all hope that the Covid vaccines will welcome in personal and economic recovery over the next few months. There are, however, some inevitable long-term consequences to the Covid crisis that a medical cure only partly solves. I am not talking about ‘Long Covid’ but the missing year of education for millions of school children and students; the painful memories of saying farewell to loved ones through a screen; the ongoing grief of loss; the psychological impact on those who have lost jobs, businesses, homes; the intense feelings of isolation and loneliness that people of all ages and genders are experiencing.
Where does healing come from in our homes and communities? Can anyone hold out hope of restoration and the possibility of flourishing once again? The Christian Church has through the ages been a source of ministry to the sick and the vulnerable. They have put their own lives at risk to care for and tend the dying. So in a world where we are told to keep our distance and don’t touch what is the church to do? `
The Church as the body of Christ can minister Christ to those we know and live alongside. To be a people who can listen to their stories of sadness and loss. To give people our attention and time albeit over the phone, the garden fence, e-mail, or letter. To be present with people in safe and appropriate ways that conveys the fact that they are not forgotten. Remembering people is a sign of God’s mercy and love (Psalm 25 v. 6 & 7) and His people can be similar signs to those who believe and feel that they have been abandoned.
You can listen here to Henry Baker’s hymn, “The King of Love my Shepherd is”, a well-loved hymn which focusses our minds on God’s love and mercy.