Author: Abe

Each weekday for the next 14 days, Father James Lyons (Wellington) will be helping us reflect on God’s Word while we are in lockdown. What is God saying to us as we globally unite to defeat Covid-19? A NEW NORMAL Prayer in praise of this day: Jesus, Saviour and Brother You came to call us to life and to open our eyes that we might see anew the gifts that surround us and bind us together as parts of one body. Another day of isolation and separation dawns. May we accept it as yet a further gift to strengthen our resolve to put aside differences, to remove the barriers of greed and prejudice, to value our togetherness and to live life as one people.   The prayer form today is woven round the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Regardless of which day you make this prayer, the theme is apt for this critical time. The national LOCKDOWN makes us look at life from the point of view of isolation, being alone, without social contact. Some recognise this extreme way of living as an enlarged image of how we have been living for several decades: as though other people weren’t important enough to hold my attention; that life was about me and my success! So many of us have been living in an invisible bubble; isolated without knowing or acknowledging the fact. Hardly normal, as we’re now finding out. The LOCKDOWN is an opportunity to create a new normal.

Each weekday for the next 14 days, Father James Lyons (Wellington) will be helping us reflect on God’s Word while we are in lockdown. What is God saying to us as we globally unite to defeat Covid-19? JOY TO THE WORLD Setting: decorate your prayer space with images and colours to create a joyful atmosphere. Perhaps drape a white cloth over the crucifix to show the link between suffering and joy. Prayer in praise of a new day: Praise and glory to you, Christ Jesus. Your coming among us was news of great joy for all the world and your continuing presence is a constant source of joy even in difficult times. Though containing the Virus means limiting personal contacts and choices, I give praise for this new day. Help all of us to see you present in this challenging moment. Keep our hearts joyful.   Two spiritual giants and Nobel Prize Laureates, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu spent a week together, in 2015, at the Dalai Lama’s home in Dharamsala, India. They had arranged the visit to coincide with the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday and to spend the time discussing and exploring the question: how do we find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering?

Each weekday for the next 14 days, Father James Lyons (Wellington) will be helping us reflect on God’s Word while we are in lockdown. What is God saying to us as we globally unite to defeat Covid-19? THE NAME OF GOD IS MERCY Setting: crucifix and candles with some violet or purple cloth, palms or other greenery. Prayer in praise of this day: A new day signals freshness and the chance to make a new start. I want so much to leave behind the fear, the anger, the upsets and unloving thoughts I have allowed to enter this time of isolation. Cleanse me, merciful God. Flood me with your calming Spirit. Free me from any sense of isolation that I may feel and know your presence and the embrace of your mercy.   In a conversation that became a book in 2016, The Name of God is Mercy, Pope Francis told journalist, Andrea Tornielli, that he thought of the Church as a field hospital, where treatment is given to those most wounded. He pointed out that Jesus declared himself as having come, not for the healthy who do not need the doctor, but for the sick. [Mark 2:17]

Each weekday for the next 14 days, Father James Lyons (Wellington) will be helping us reflect on God’s Word while we are in lockdown. What is God saying to us as we globally unite to defeat Covid-19? SHOCK, LOSS, CONFUSION Setting: The crucifix, in the centre of your prayer space, should be the only object displayed during this session. Prayer in praise of another day: Glory and praise to you, O God. You gift me with a new day to discover more about myself and to ponder the mystery of your love. As this time of isolation continues, I am feeling the loss of my independence and am confused by my inability to live a normal life. Yet, my desire to praise you rises strongly in my heart. For I trust your goodness and believe that, as the Good Shepherd, you will guide us to fresh and green pastures. Glory and praise to you, O God.   Shock, loss, confusion are words used by Daniel O’Leary in the introduction to his final book, Dancing to My Death (2019). He used them to describe “a routine that is suddenly up-ended and knocked entirely off track.” This Irish born priest, teacher and bestselling author was referring to his 2018 cancer diagnosis and his book invites the reader into an emotional and extremely “raw” conversation as the tumour progressed to take his life in January 2019.

Each weekday for the next 14 days, Father James Lyons (Wellington) will be helping us reflect on God’s Word while we are in lockdown. What is God saying to us as we globally unite to defeat Covid-19? NO FEAR Setting: Light several candles near the crucifix and scatter bright coloured cloths, paintings or drawings around your prayer space. Prayer in praise of this new day: Daylight takes care of the darkness of night and the fear darkness often brings. I thank and praise you, loving God, for your gift of Jesus, the light of the world, the One in whom there is no darkness, who comes to light our way home. Watch over us in the time of uncertainty. Strengthen our faith, our hope and our love. Grant us peace of mind and heart as our isolation continues.   News of the spreading Coronavirus sparked panic buying and rumours sending great alarm through the population. Such behaviour sparks fear, fear only made worse when people are isolated from one another. Fear is a natural response to danger, whether real or perceived. It takes a leap of faith to prevent the paralysing effect of uncontrolled fear. No doubt that is why the Hebrew/Christian scriptures are filled with assurances not to be afraid.

Each weekday for the next 14 days, Father James Lyons (Wellington) will be helping us reflect on God’s Word while we are in lockdown. What is God saying to us as we globally unite to defeat Covid-19? IN ISOLATION Setting: Alongside your crucifix and lighted candle (or lamp), place a world atlas. If you do not have an atlas, write the name of as many countries you can recall and lay the list in the centre of your sacred space. Giving thanks for this new day: God of the universe. All life comes from you and all nations are held in your loving embrace. The pandemic that now holds us hostage threatens the wellbeing and stability of the whole world. With the dawning of this new day we place our trust in you. Gather us under your protecting wings that we might encourage one another and work together to bring health, safety and peace.   Self-isolation signals a cut-off from many usual and normal contacts. Social distancing affects every community – family, school, church, town, city, the entire nation, and internationally as well. This is a terrible global phenomenon. But perhaps it will bring blessings, as we all come to realise what makes life so precious and the aspects of living we have taken for granted or never really appreciated.

Each weekday for the next 14 days, Father James Lyons (Wellington) will be helping us reflect on God’s Word while we are in lockdown. What is God saying to us as we globally unite to defeat Covid-19? NO TOUCHING Setting: With the crucifix, place photos of family, friends, places you’ve visited. Some flowers perhaps, or images of nature/creation. Give thanks for this new day: Creator, Life-giver. You love the world so much that, in Jesus, you promise to be with us till the end of time. I am grateful that your presence continues for we are in a time of trouble, as an out-of-control virus threatens your world and its people. Thank you for being with us during another day of social distancing and uncertainty. Guide our minds and hearts as a remedy is sought. May the successful outcome bring us Closer to one another and to you.   One of the warnings given in efforts to stop the spreading of coronavirus is to avoid unnecessary touching. The virus survives in the afterglow of our touch, making the washing hands and the wiping of doorknob, bannister, laptop, lift button, important weapons in the fight. How terrible to be told not to touch, to hug, to kiss, and to “socially distance” yourself by standing at least a metre from another person.