As we walk through this Holy Week with Jesus, it seems more relevant today than ever. Our world has completely changed over the last three weeks : the streets are very quiet, we can’t go out whenever we like, and we are finding new ways of communicating with each other.

However, the readings for today offer us advice, encouragement, and comfort. Yes, comfort! Have confidence that you are not alone. As the writer of Hebrews said, “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. They are always around us, even though we cannot see them, and God himself is with us too. May you know his presence close to you at this time.

Don’t let yourself be weighed down with sin, but repent and turn to God to take a closer walk with him. Make the most of being able to be alone with God, so that when we come before the cross, we can come with a clean heart. P ersevere to the end. The race that is set before us will not go on forever.

Consider Jesus who endured the cross with such pain and suffer you fall ill with Covid19, remember ing, and humiliation. If that Jesus is right there with you, suffering with you. Call on him while he is near, “that you may not grow weary or lose heart.” As he says in Matthew 11:26 “Come to me, all you that are weary , and I will give you rest.” And it is rest that you will need if you get the virus. So, rest in him, confident in the knowledge that he is with you.

There are many like us in every street. to keep ourselves We are all hiding away from the virus, in order safe. Keep vigilant, and obey the rules laid down by our government. Do not be tempted to be complacent, and relax. Pray for strength to resist tempta t ion . Pray for protection against Satan, who is waiting for any sign of weakness, to step in, as he did with Judas at the Last Supper. Pray for strength and courage to face the days ahead. Amen.