Here we go again, a New Year. In my homily on Sunday I presented what I thought were two powerful images. The darkest night following the shortest day, followed by the image when the tide has gone out to its furthest distance. Since then I was introduced by a friend to a more pertinent and purposeful image when he spoke of his garden. This has been very much confirmed with proper care and attention; already even in the harshest cold, new signs of life are ready to break forth. Even now the occasional flower is scattered throughout the emerging bulbs. Life is always getting ready for its opportunity to come to life and to bear fruit.
The Prime Minister spelt out the reality of the moment, with the virus and the numbers affected by it spiralling, with the instruction, stay safe and stay at home. That is central to our attention. At the same time we have essential needs, and shopping for food expresses one of our needs. Other needs surface as life has a multi purpose agenda to it, part of it work. For us in our Catholic faith there is also a wider agenda and spiritual nourishment is a true reality.
Unlike the spring lockdown, churches can remain open for worship and prayer. This has its risks and responsibilities, and a reality for me was having to isolate just when we were ready to celebrate our Christmas Masses. I really know what it is to be in the dark. Indeed quite a difficult dark year – but also receiving a lot of kindness, help and support. A last moment opportunity to stream a Christmas morning mass, and like the new buds, signs of life to come.
First, the challenge. We are very short of stewards and cleaners, and we have to really, really appeal for help. For us to return to our masses will not be easy, but with fresh help, like the buds, life gets ready to begin.
Please God, days lengthening, tides turning and new life in abundance will come again.