I learned an interesting fact during week two of lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis; apparently the word for ‘crisis’ in Chinese is composed of two Chinese characters signifying ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity’.

The ‘danger’ aspect of the coronavirus crisis is evident; the NHS is being stretched to breaking point; the numbers of sick and dying are sadly growing; jobs are being lost; world recession looms, and danger in the form of virus bacteria lurk menacingly unseen during every essential trip made away from the home.

But the ‘opportunity’ aspect of the crisis is evident too, particularly in the way the people in our villages are all pulling together to help each other and build community, and how as our lives slow down we can focus more on what really matters.

It’s fitting that in the coming week in the Church’s calendar we remember the danger which beset Jesus in the run-up to Good Friday. A week which began on Palm Sunday with crowds crying ‘Alleluia!’ as Jesus rode into Jerusalem soon turned to one of danger; from the occupying Roman forces; from his closest friends who betrayed and deserted him; from those same crowds whose cries changed to ‘Crucify him!’. But throughout the danger, Jesus trusted in God; ‘Father … may your will be done’ (Matt 26:42).

Maybe this crisis also presents an opportunity for us to learn to trust more in the God who through Jesus has known danger like us.

A short verse written by Minnie Louise Haskins:

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied:

“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.

That shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.

Stay safe and God bless,

Revd Sue