Rev Maggie reflects

Reflections during Lockdown No 4;

Glimpses of Shalom, the Kingdom of God

Jesus said “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14, 27)

The word that has been translated as peace in the quotation above is Shalom. Shalom means so much more than peace. It includes salvation and reconciliation with God and through that well-being in every aspect of life: physical, psychological, social and spiritual. Shalom also means peace with others, not as the absence of war but in socially just relationships. Ultimately it means the restoration of all things as God intends them to be. It is the foundation of the kingdom of God. When God is present there is Shalom and when Shalom is present there is God.

In our lockdown world we are discovering at lot. There has been an outpouring of offers of help to those in need. The homeless have been housed. Neighbours are speaking to each other. There is generosity, sharing, care and concern being shown in so many different ways by so many people. The kingdom of God is breaking through our habitual patterns and connecting us with each other and with God. This is not the whole story. We have also seen the benefits of less traffic on the roads and fewer aeroplanes flying overhead. The air is cleaner and the birds are singing more loudly than ever – or maybe it is that we can once again hear them properly. The lockdown is making us more aware of how humans are affecting the planet and so reminding us to care for creation responsibly.

The pandemic has also forced us to look again at what is essential for the flourishing of society. We now know whose work is essential to the day to day running and wellbeing of everyone, rich and poor alike: workers in the health service, public transport workers, care workers, shopkeepers, delivery drivers, teachers. The list could go on. What they have in common is that until now their work has gone mainly unnoticed, un-thanked and for the most part poorly rewarded financially. We have seen the effects of inequality and the way that so many people are living on the verge of destitution, not just in developing countries but here in the UK. COVID-19 is demanding that we recognise that the health of the whole is dependant on the health and wellbeing of each person.

As Christians we pray the Lord’s prayer every day and in every service. Each day we pray for God’s Kingdom to come. Right now, God is inviting us, Christ’s body, to share in bringing in Shalom and healing creation. Even in the little things we can make change happen.

Celtic Blessing
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle light to you.
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace of Christ, the light of the world to you,
Deep peace of Christ to you.