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Enid Barron1 
Enid Barron

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,  so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.’ Romans 12: 4-6a

One good thing about lockdown has been the number of recordings of blessing which have been circulating.
My favourites is this Irish blessing featuring the hymn Be Thou my Vision.

I have chosen the extract from Romans to associate with it because at this challenging time it is more crucial than ever to remember that we are all part of the body of Christ.   The text refers specifically to the gifts we have. These are demonstrated in the video by the people singing, playing a wide range of instruments, using sign language, and performing Irish dance; by the author of the inspiring words, the originators of the beautiful tune.  There are also the skills involved in developing and using the technology to make the recording available across the world and in taking and putting together the visuals.  Not all of these are talents most obviously useful in God’s service but show that any gift we have can be used to honour Him.

The recording is also a reminder of how our faith binds people together as one body with its separate contributions from individuals and small groups, from people of all ages and different racial backgrounds melded to make one whole.  Finally the hymn links us with Christians across the ages going back to the Celtic saints on whose words it is based and the centuries of folk singing from which the tune has developed. 

Pondering on all this strengthens me with the hope we get from being part of this one amazing body whose parts are linked across the world and across the ages and in which each of us, however  insignificant we may feel can, with God’s help, play a valuable part.  Surely it is uplifting to remember this as we seek to overcome the Corona virus and to build a better society for all.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the gift of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, through whom we are linked in the one body of believers. Strengthen, guide and inspire us each to play our part in that body, to spread the love of Christ, to overcome fear and to work for the good of others. AMEN 

Prayer Request:  For all churches in Ealing, that we work together in unity as we seek to reach our community with the love of Christ.