Hope and fear

These two words, Hope and Fear perhaps give us a reasonable summary of what the world has travelled through for the past few months and into the future. Billions of people trying to make sense of the Covid epidemic and the path into the future; whilst mourning those who have died, and continue to do so.

I have not commented on the times we live through directly, but have a sense that I need to, today, I have no easy words or answers, because I struggle with the difficult times we have been through and continue to live in.

The photograph is of the entrance to All Saints Church at Goodmanham, near York. You may never have heard of the place, but it has a place in history. 1600 years ago it was part of the Kingdom of Northumbria. In the Stone Age it was the site of a temple which was regarded as the most holy place in Northumbria. But with King Edwin of Northumbria’s conversion to Christianity at Goodmanham it became a centre of Christian worship. Now it is a little backwater. But none the less holy, as it has been for some time!!

It has witnessed the whole gamut of human experience, the good and bad, People, for millenia have tried in this place, to make sense of triumph tragedy and eveything in between.

For me, in thses times we live through, it witnesses to continuity and hope and the light and still small voice of the Risen Christ. It has stood and prevailed and many have walked through the door in times of darkess, and found hope and light, and the reassuring presence of the Risen Christ.

The photograph has us looking out from our perspective now, sometimes sensing that darkness, but seeing light, which gives us hope. Simple because it eminates form the source of all hope and light and peace.

Take time to observe the photograph for yourself, and just make a moment to write down anything that pops into your head.

If you don’t mind, I’ll carry on with this tomorrow…because there is much to chew over.

The Lord bless you and keep you.