Remembering Covid-19 March 9 2025
February 11, 2025 12:13 pm
You are invited to use this Act of Remembrance as part of the Day of Reflection for the 5th Anniversary of Covid-19 on 9 March 2025. More information about the Day, and how to submit events to a national map, can be found here: Day of Reflection. This act of prayer and reflection begins with washing hands with soap and warm water. Call to Remember I will bless the LORD at all times; *whose praise shall ever be in my mouth.2 I will glory in the LORD; *let the humble hear and rejoice.3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *let us exalt the Name together.4 I sought the LORD, who answered me *and delivered me out of all my terror.5 Look upon the Lord and be radiant, *and let not your face be ashamed.6 I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me *and saved me from all my troubles.7 The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear God, *who will deliver them.8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; *happy are they who trust in God! An Inclusive Language Psalter Hymn There is a Balm in Gilead Hymnal 1982, The Episcopal Church #676 General Reflection Five years ago the world was riveted by news of a strange virus originating in China. Little did anyone know how quickly Covid-19 would move across the planet. All living creatures were affected by Covid-19. Humans covered their faces, doing what social creatures find impossible to do. Not being able to gather with friends, families and community was a trauma compared to world war without human relating, we isolated and stayed in our homes. Nature began to recover, flora and fauna took a deep breath when we could not. Human activity was arrested for a while as the planetary eco systems were stunned by human absence. Our wider humanity became acquainted with illness and death, often far too young to embrace finitude. The lack of gathering loved ones at the deathbed exacerbated grief and extended sorrow into a bleak emotional landscape. For generations who had never known a global crisis, this was a catastrophe. Covid-19 brought a golden age into existential pain and end. Whilst faith communities resorted to Zoom and YouTube to connect the faithful, others fell away longing for in-person gatherings. If there was a brighter side, people were forced to slow down. Some days felt like a much needed sabbath rest. The introverted rejoiced in solitude! Our hectic, over thinking, rat race subsided and we were shown our lives do not need to be so full and hurried. Working from home and digital know-how grew at a greater pace. We knew this historical crisis would change us and the after effect would be enacted for years to come. Praying Healing Christ,In marking this time we have not arrived in this present moment unscathed byCovid-19. With each additional vaccination we know this virus is living and evolving. Yet, we are grateful for medical science and continued miracles of healing and well-being.With each regret and wince recalling days of isolation we know in spirit we held each other. Yet, we are grateful for the gift of gathering and joining around tables of kinship and friendship.With the encroachment of human activity upon nature and wildlife we must learn to live in harmony with all your creation. Yet, we have been reminded that we do not need to be greedy to be happy.With each new viral infection we know this disease does not respect our human divisions of class, sex, age, race, gender, sexuality, faith or none. Yet, we are called to have respect, mercy and compassion for the whole global human family.In our sorrow bring comfort, as we name before you those we miss and see no more……….We entrust them, O Light of Life, into your mercy where there is no sighing, tears or remorse. May the light of your life, O Christ, encourage us as we continue our earthly sojourn. In your holy name we pray, Jesus the Christ, Amen. Hymn Healer of our Every Ill Marty Haugen Prayer for Covid Anniversary Has it really been 5 years Lord?5 years since lockdown, fear, heroic NHS staff, and a daily death toll on the news?5 years since panic, uncertainty, and incompetencemixed with dedication, unity, and scientific ingenuity?5 years since law breaking was contrasted so strongly with law keeping? It feels so much further away than just 5 years.We’ve seen several different prime ministers and a different monarch;there again we’ve got the same US president back!The homeless have been returned to the streets– seems it was too expensive to keep on supporting them after all,politicians are busy rewriting history,seeking to influence which lessons are to be learnt,…and we live with the trauma. So, we remember before you, Lord, those who have died,those whose lives are still wounded with grief and long Covid,and those who gave their lives through caring.We give thanks for doctors and scientists who found a vaccine so quickly,for advisors and planners who got the vaccine delivered so well,and for those who devised treatments to relieve suffering. But, Lord, we’re left with the pandemic’s legacy –unanswered questions, unresolved grief, and unaddressed angerwhich sit alongside our gratitude and admiration. We wonder, Lord, what we can learn from the pandemic,whether we’re ready to hold to accountthose who failed to plan,those who could not lead with integrity,those who profiteered from suffering, andthose who evaded justice.We’re left wondering how to deal with both the trauma and the memories,and, most of all, Lord we wonder if we’re any better prepared for the next one. So give us your wisdom, Lord,that we can navigate these times, and our memories,with honesty, grace, and the ability to bring change, Amen. ——– Offered by a United Reformed Church member Hold a silence Closing Words based on Psalm 103 May the Holy One who heals all your iniquity bless and keep you;the face of the Lord who heals all our afflictionsshine upon you and […]
