Friday Thought with Fr Chris Ferguson

It has been heartening to hear, how many in our community have taken a lead, in response to the present crisis. From bars, restaurants and many local businesses having to make the painful decision to close their doors, through a desire to protect staff and customers. Real leadership begins with embracing the common good, and from a faith perspective, we desire to witness to the reign of God. This last number of weeks many sacrifices have had to be endured, involving isolating our loved ones. Especially prioritising the needs of the vulnerable and those with underlying medical conditions. Other painful choices concern ourselves, can we stay at home more, lessening the risk of becoming carriers of the virus, otherwise we put ourselves, our loved ones and our community at risk.

In the parochial house there now exists a new division of labour, Fr Michael has taken responsibility for shopping, I’m on cooking duties and Fr Gerard has promised not to get in the way, although he offered me the use of his slow cooker. Last night was our first supper; I’ll not know until lunchtime, whether it was our last supper. Wishing to play safe, I decided to make bolognese. First item on the agenda was drawing up a shopping list for Fr McCaughey. If this wasn’t complicated enough, I then had to write out directions for Fr Michael. These had nothing to do with getting to the shop, he could rely on his sat-nav in his car. Instead, I had to write out directions around the isles of the supermarket, detailing where various items where shelved. On a positive note, at least Fr Michael wouldn’t need to ask the staff for help to reach products on the top shelf.

I even asked Fr Gerard to set the table, reminding him to be conscious of social distancing. Yet, we all have our unique part to play in coming days and weeks. Even our smallest gesture, the least inconvenience suffered out of concern for others, makes a difference. In this new world of restricted movement and reduced social contact; we can enter more readily into the reality of many of the homebound and isolated. Ultimately, can we be more aware of others experiences and their subsequent needs? In the scene from the Gospel many of the religious authorities are castigating Jesus’ because they believe he doesn’t keep the Sabbath. In the absence of public celebrations of the Eucharist, many might be tempted to feel, the Sabbath is not being kept.

Traditionally the Sabbath was a time set aside for God, family and community life. We can still honour the sabbath, by witnessing to the self-sacrifice involved in the Eucharist. We witness to the presence of Jesus in the Body of Christ, through our honouring of God and one another. The whole witness of the scriptures, of both New and Old testaments, are united in revealing God’s merciful and gracious love. In healing the man born blind, Jesus wished to open the blind man’s eyes to the reality of faith, thus being enabled to recognise the presence of God among us.

Today and in the weeks ahead, we pray for the same healing, of being to recognise the presence of Jesus, in our sisters and brothers,

especially those who are most isolated and vulnerable. Therefore, to truly honour the body of Christ, and worship God, is to see Christ in our neighbour.