God of compassion,
be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.
In their loneliness, be their consolation;
in their anxiety, be their hope;
in their darkness, be their light;
through him who suffered alone on the cross,
but reigns with you in glory,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Strange times: “Strange times” is the comment I have heard most often on the lockdown in response to the Covid 19 outbreak. We have been jolted out of our normal routines – perhaps with some good effects like greater neighbourliness or keeping in touch with friends. But it’s an uncomfortable experience and we may be feeling disorientated, frustrated, perhaps lonely, saddened, even anxious and frightened by the situation and cut off from normal life. The Bible teaches us that a sense of disorientation, alienation and discomfort is a natural part of our faith. In the book of Hebrews we read of the people of God: “they confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth… they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” St Peter also speaks of Christians as “aliens and exiles”. Our home is in heaven and all our life on earth is spent in a kind of exile from it. Yet Jesus Christ has gone before us through this exile in a strange land. On Ascension Day (21st May this year) we celebrate his return to heaven, opening the way for us to join him there. Sometimes it feels as if God is far away, but actually he is very near if we will only turn to him and open our hearts and minds to his loving kindness.
Revd Eleanor Goodison
Associate Priest, Hoxne Benefice
Tel: 07876 143579
Details of live streamed church services available on the church webpage.