Almsgiving Amidst Coronavirus

After a crazy week being part of a team getting everything ready for Saint Philips to livestream for the first time, I was able to offer some thoughts to help frame the response to Covid-19 that was unfolding rapidly, as well as carry on thinking through how Christians can use Lent to prepare well for Easter.

So much was being said at this time, with opinions flying around, and anxiety levels high. I didn’t want to add to that cacophony, but help people reflect on some of the messaging within it, through the lens of faith. This particularly landed on the word ‘distance’, as I encouraged us to think of physical distance for safety, but not relational/social distance through withdrawing from others.

Alongside that, and into the questioning that always seems to arise through times of trial, I was keen to highlight that spiritually, God is not distant. Whatever comes from here (sure that many twists and turns are ahead) God is close, hears our cries, and responds with compassion.

And then on almsgiving, this traditional Christian practice during Lent, we reflected on Luke 11 verses 37-41. In a time when hoarding was feared, the words of Jesus to be generous to the poor rang out loud and clear. And alongside that, the promise that for those who do, everything will become clean - our hearts purified, our outlook transformed, our pockets aligned with the way of Jesus.

Do not let this time turn you inwards on yourself, rather turn your hearts outwards to give to those who need, from the resources God has poured into you.