Episode details

Available for over a year
While tuning in to listen to the coronavirus daily updates, I have been struck by how reluctant I have been to generalise about this virus. How apprehensive I am to come to conclusions about how people are feeling and the experiences they are going through. While anyone from any background or walk of life can get this, the effects of the virus and the wider effect of our isolation, vary a great deal. Our experiences are different, some are bored, others are busier now than they have ever been. Some peoples income is secure, while others are claiming universal credit for the first time. Some are at Peace in isolation, while others must take a deep breath and find the energy to start each day with courage. Some people are cramped with no outdoor space and others acres of land. Some countries will be more robust and other countries so vulnerable to the effects of this virus. What highlights to me, from a different perspective; within my confinement, is that though we are all fragile human beings, our experiences of life are at times dramatically different depending on our circumstances. For Christians, today is known as Maundy Thursday in holy week. In the Upper room, during the last supper, Jesus kneels before his disciples and washes their dusty, dirty feet. Taking the place of a servant, the lowliest in society, Jesus aligns himself with their experiences. This simple act shows me that every person is of value and how we learn this, is by recognising that our circumstances, are different and by continuously seeing and experiencing life through someone else’s perspective, not just our own. This simple act is deeply relational, which is a challenge for all of us, who live in our bubbles. Our key workers have always been key workers and the elderly who live alone, lonely and isolated, did so before an imposed isolation. Taking time to understand the experiences of others is characterized by humility and compassion in loving service of others. It’s difficult to generalise at the moment and it can be hard for some, not knowing the outcome. What we do know is that life is full of ups and downs for all and within that, there are the haves, and the have not’s. Those who have their feet washed and those who wash the feet of others. Perhaps this coronavirus crisis offers us a new perspective on the experiences of others.
Programme Website