In the street it is a challenge for many people. Some people don’t seem to realise that hanging around texting while standing in the middle of the pavement doesn’t allow others to pass safely. Others sort of forget and barge past in the supermarket, presumably because the distancing is alright most of the time but it is overruled by the immediate need to acquire a tin or bottle of something truly vital.
It was said last weekend, after “Super Saturday” when
most pubs reopened, that it is now absolutely clear that people who have drunk
too much are unable to socially distance. That might make it “Surprise Sunday” for
some, but surely not for many of us. Especially if even the sober cannot
observe it effectively.
One problem, of course, is that to achieve avoidance you
have to treat others as if they probably do have symptoms of the virus. It
doesn’t feel very natural or friendly. It’s like the situations in the Gospels
where people with leprosy had to stay away from others and be shunned. That’s
quite bad enough, but this is for almost everyone. But the unspiritual idea of “Avoid
thy neighbour” feels as wretched as it is currently necessary. While this
situation lasts, we need to find ways of communicating and being together in a
way that affirms our shared humanity, and which does not prevent us from
affirming our care and/or love.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all who seek to support, save
and heal others. May it be that the danger of Covid-19 will not undermine our
most positive human response to engage with others and prevent danger. We do
not want to be driven apart: as we discover new ways of being together in
communities and families give us the will to enrich our relationships, to
support one another, to come through this together holding on to the light and
hope which you give us in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
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