'For such a time at this'

Christians are formed in spiritual practices that are designed to help us grow in love and holiness. During Lent we enter into the desert or wilderness, metaphorically speaking, to learn more about God's love. Christians have sought solitude and time alone with God since the earliest times of the Christian faith. We should not be unduly worried therefore about the prospect of needing to spend time alone. Christians who have fasted, prayed and practiced contemplation annually for the 40 days of Lent, are well prepared for this time of testing. We can encourage others, who may be less prepared, by our prayers, by our example and our teaching. This may be an opportunity to proclaim the love of God to others and to share with them something of the wonders of the Christian spiritual tradition.

Moreover, during Lent we are encouraged not only to pray and fast but to be deliberate about practicing 'acts of service and compassion'. This is also critical to how we should and must respond at this time. There will be many vulnerable families and individuals, who through illness, loss of income or other vulnerabilities will be particularly sorely tested at this time. We need to ensure that as Christians we make a co-ordinated and compassionate approach to the challenges that we face together. Rather than stockpiling, add something to your shop to donate to the foodbank. Check on your elderly neighbours (by telephone or dropping in a card), to ask if they need any help and keep on calling on the telephone to ensure they're okay. Perhaps this will be a time when we connect up as a community, when we remember the golden rule to love our neighbours as ourselves. Churches are very well placed to be centres of care for the elderly and vulnerable, as we are connected with many elderly already who are at the centre of our Christian communities.

Christians were formed for such a time as this; a time when we recall that we rely completely on the love of God, upon his goodness and his enduring promises to us. The messengers of God frequently tell us 'do not be afraid'. We must do our best to be a faithful presence in our communities and a model of compassion and generosity, to help those who have most cause to be afraid to trust in the mercy of God.

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