'Care not Fear'

Cumbria is probably a better place to be right now, in the midst of this Coronavirus crisis. It is less crowded up here, with plenty of open space, so maybe the risk of infection is lower? Several people have commented, when they have become isolated, that they are grateful they can still go for a walk - even an uphill one! Cumbria is also used to crisis of one kind or another: for example, the foot-and-mouth epidemic in 2001, the floods in 2009 and 2015, and the shootings in 2010. In each case, for different reasons, there was a lock-down and many examples of community organizing for mutual support. These experiences have produced a resilience, even a doggedness in the Cumbrian character, and a concern for one another.

But, of course, this is of a different order. Human life is being threatened on a large scale, and the fear is almost palpable. Ultimately, it is fear of death. One way in which we combat this is by turning outwards, in the care of others. It is noticeable how people are often asking each other 'how are you?' - and meaning it. And following up with, 'Take care.'

We are preparing for a 'virtual' service on Sunday from Christ Church. And this morning I meet with Paul, who convenes Churches Together in Cockermouth, to talk about coordinated responses, including the town's Emergency Response Group, formed after the 2015 flood.

Today is St Cuthbert's Day - Bishop of Lindisfarne in the 7th century. He was instrumental in spreading the Christian faith not only in Northumbria, but all over the north of England. His shrine is at Durham Cathedral. Interestingly, he caught the plague as a young man (nothing new about viruses!), from which he recovered. But he walked with a limp for the rest of his life. Maybe we will walk with a collective limp after this crisis is over: more humbly, knowing that we are not as much in control of our lives as we sometimes like to think. This whole experience will be a test of character for us all.

Holy God of Cuthbert and the saints, go before us now.
God of the fells and God of the fields, go before us now.
God of the streets and God of the people, go before us now.
Grace and mercy, peace and protection, be ours for ever. Amen.