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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.

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 WATER OF LIFE Setting: Make a prayer space in your room. Whatever else you place there, put a crucifix, a bowl of water and a lit candle. Begin your prayer with the Sign of the Cross, then – Give thanks for this new day: God of life and light, I thank you for another new beginning. For the light shining through my window For the trees and their colours The birds and their songs Though I am, for some days, alone The beauty I see speaks your presence And gives me confidence to live this new day.   Frequent hand washing plays a significant role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus can survive on hands for up to ten minutes and in that short time can be transferred to anything touched. Cleanliness is vital in the fight against this new virus.

While our nation, and much of the world are in lockdown to halt the spread of Covid-19, God’s Word tells us that he is in complete control. Each weekday during lockdown, we will bring you a new reflection highlighting God’s love and care for us, and his desire for us to know the peace of his son Jesus. OK GOD, WHAT? Read – Psalm 57:1 (NRSV) My elderly mother’s favourite Bible story is the story of Joseph. And what’s not to like! It’s the classic story of good overcomes evil, even with its own superhero. But the story also raises thorny theological issues. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. Reflect My elderly mother’s favourite Bible story is the story of Joseph. And what’s not to like! It’s the classic story of good overcomes evil, even with its own superhero. But the story also raises thorny theological issues.

God of the unknown future, I trust you for today and tomorrow. Keep me looking to Jesus for the strength and courage I need. As the old song says: “Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea!” Pray God of the unknown future, I trust you for today and tomorrow. Keep me looking to Jesus for the strength and courage I need. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Reflect “We’ve never experienced anything like this before.” Fear of the unknown is one of our most basic human emotions. It’s a built-in survival instinct. Peter, the fisherman, had never seen anyone walking on water – let alone done it himself. He knew that water doesn’t support human weight – unless you are lying flat!! But spending time with Jesus, he had learnt that, however you might describe “normal life,” Jesus turns everything upside down. If Jesus encouraged him to walk on water, he would give it a go. And it worked. For a start, anyway. But Peter’s rational mind began to work overtime. People don’t walk on water. This can’t be happening. Look at those waves! Calling out to Jesus for help was the very best thing to do. Peter was no super-hero. Call him a realist. Circumstances got him rattled. Time and again he responded out of fear. His faith was “little” – but it was faith in Jesus. The God who created everything – including oceans and viruses – has come among us in Jesus. And Jesus transforms every circumstance. Its OK to be afraid of the unknown. But even fearful people like Peter can trust Jesus to see them through the dangers of life. As the old song says: “Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea!” Pray God of the unknown future, I trust you for today and tomorrow. Keep…

I just can’t catch a break. I remember hearing my mum utter these words at her most stressful times when I was a kid. I also remember thinking, “Could it really be that bad?” Now that I’m adult, I better understand how my mum sometimes feels. There are days—and even weeks—when I just can’t seem to catch a break. Do you ever feel this way? Like you can’t keep up with all of life’s demands and responsibilities? Like there’s no time to rest?