As church and charity leaders in Southwark we are praying in this season for every household and community in Southwark. We are especially praying for those on the frontline in every sphere of the battle against COVID-19.
Gethsemane has come to our hospitals and Golgotha casts it shadow across our land. We are praying that each and every one of us will be led through the darkness of these days to light and life once again. We pray for each aspect of the Coronavirus crisis in the light of Jesus’ cross; crises of Purpose, of Mental health, of Suffering and of Faith.
On March 15th a 72 year old Italian priest, Fr. Guiseppe Beradelli who had contracted the Covid-19 virus gave his ventilator away to save the life of a younger person. The device had been bought for him by his parishioners. There could be no funeral, but people stood on their balconies to applaud Fr. Guiseppe’s ultimate sacrifice.
Whenever we see this kind of heroism, we are reminded of the words of Jesus “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends”. (John 15:13). On the cross Jesus laid down his life for each one of us so that we might know with confidence that we are Gods’ friend. We declare with fresh emphasis that Christ has overcome death, and that we are called in hope of a new life both here and in the world to come.
We have been made aware that there is allegedly a church in Southwark that has been selling so called ‘plague protection kits’. As a steering group here at Southwark For Jesus / Transform Southwark we wish to affirm as a united body of churches in Southwark that the gospel of healing and forgiveness is freely available to all and we strongly condemn such unbiblical practices.
As we progress through this global pandemic we exhort one another to faith; and to rhythms of rest and play as well as work. To let go of the need for easy answers, instant miracles and immediate resolution. Lord, help us to trust even when we cannot understand, knowing that your life, death and resurrection have been accomplished for us.
In the words of Julian of Norwich ‘And all will be well,’ ‘all manner of things shall be well’:
SFG/TS steering group