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Radio 4,2 mins

For Christians, this is Holy Week. Bishop Philip Egan - 08/04/2020

Thought for the Day

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Good Morning. Throughout the current crisis, our NHS front liners are giving everything to serve us. We think of those caring for the Prime Minister, and for all in intensive care. Their heroism reminds me of another hero, a young aristocrat, a university student born in Turin in 1901. Charismatic, with film-star looks, Pier Giorgio Frassati loved skiing, horse-riding, and above all, climbing mountains. The life and soul of his friends, Pier Giorgio was a man of deep faith who spent his evenings visiting the sick and homeless during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918. Later, serving in the slums, he caught polio and after a short, agonising illness, died, aged just 24. At the funeral, to his family’s amazement, thousands of urban poor filled the streets to honour him. For Christians, this is Holy Week. Today is Spy Wednesday when Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Tomorrow, we recall His arrest in Gethsemane after the Last Supper and on Good Friday, His death on the Cross. Normally this week, our Cathedral would be packed. Instead, because of the crisis, there’s an eerie silence. It’ll be strange to celebrate Easter, the Day of Resurrection, online in an empty church. Here in Portsmouth we have a wonderful hospital, the Queen Alexandra, the ‘QA’. I was talking the other day with one of the nurses: It’s manic she said but we’re in good spirits. The staff working in our hospitals and care homes are heroes. Heroes too are the many helpers who have volunteered. Our chaplains are heroes, comforting the dying in their PPE suits. The pandemic is inspiring great courage and selflessness in so many people, with a new sense of community. When we get through this emergency, I hope things won’t return to normal, that is, to the way they were. COVID-19 is causing many to review their lives and to weigh up what’s most important. This week Christians remember how Jesus Christ laid down His life in service, and how in history many others, like the inspiring patron saint of youth, Pier Giorgio Frassati, have done the same in imitation. When we’re through, I hope life will be different. I hope we’ll have more time for each other. I hope we’ll have a greater sense of service focused on the things that really matter.

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