The Revd Catriona Cumming, Succentor

AUDIO:

Inevitably over the past week or so, my mind has been on people I love: some I talk to regularly, and others who are more remote. Each of us has no doubt been thinking about those whose presence in our lives we have taken for granted, and how we can support them.

The icon pictured sits on my piano. It’s known as the icon of friendship and was given to me by a friend. I’ve looked at it a fair bit over the past few days, as I have prayed for people, and I have been struck by the contact within it, in this world where that is no longer possible for many of us. I have also been struck by the cracks which run down the icon: cracks which seem to, but actually don’t quite, cut off the figures, one from the other.

Our relationship with God needs careful attention as much as our relationships with our families and friends. This Lent, perhaps more than in previous years, we need to tend to that relationship, and find new ways of keeping in touch, of speaking, and listening.

We also need to be kind to ourselves, allow ourselves to feel doubt and uncertainty, and share those things, as well as the silly stories, memes, and photos.

As we enter Passiontide we will glimpse once more, the depth of God’s love for us.

As is so often the case, we see this love in Jesus’ care for the people immediately around him, but also for those who come long after Lazarus, Mary, Martha and the others are laid in the ground.

Today we remember Jesus’ love for his friends, his compassion, and we see where he will go for us: down to the grave itself.

God does this for us. We don’t earn it by being especially good, or even especially good at being in touch.

Over the next few weeks and months our relationships will be tested, including with God. As we look for ways to support one another, it is worth keeping that icon in mind. Though we may feel ourselves cut off from God, those cracks will not divide us. God will reach out to us, again and again.

We are not alone.