Some thoughts on Covid regulations

Sunday: Baptism of the Lord.

During lock-down, in the battle against the Covid virus, we are constantly reminded to sanitise, to wear masks, and to keep our distance. It is easy to get frustrated with these exhortations, to see the Government as Nanny. Nanny knows best. But it is also possible to apply a Christian spin to them, to make them part of our daily prayer.

Take washing. There is a lot of water in today's readings. Washing is not just a Christian or Jewish thing, though Jewish liturgical rules expect members to wash before food (remember the authorities asking why Jesus' disciples did not wash before eating food). Moslems are also expected to wash before prayer, with each mosque offering the necessary facilities. Hindus bathe in the River Ganges. Christians enter the church by being baptised with water. Until Covid came along we were encouraged to dip our fingers in the water stoup to bless ourselves, and remind us of that baptism. Most of that has gone while the Covid virus regulations apply.

But the symbolism of a fresh start with an inner cleansing is still valid. The Government expects us to wash our hands frequently, not as the pagan Pontius Pilate did when sentencing Jesus, but to avoid passing on the virus. And we can add to that. Every time we wash, when we sanitise, we can remember our Baptism, when we were given a fresh start, washed spiritually, with conscience cleansed. Daily examination of conscience has always been a part of the Christian's daily prayer. And we can still go to Confession. Sanitising, washing regularly day by day should remind us to do that.

Another feature of the Government's Covid policy is to wear a mask. A mask is something to hide behind. It is quite difficulty to recognise a person, even one we know well, when half the face is covered. But how about reflecting, every time we put our mask on, that God still knows us individually, sees us as we really are, sees behind the mask. And what will God see? I repeat, examination of conscience, is necessary for inner cleansing.

That leaves, Keep your distance. Part of a Christian's daily routine - if you are working on being a saint - is to remember the things which are good for us and the things we should avoid. So we try to be careful, to keep a distance - what would be on your list? - unhealthy food (chocolate?), too much alcohol, cigarettes, people and places which are sources of temptation. Nature abhors a vacuum, science tells us, so in place of just avoiding something, we should try to fill it with healthy, godly, things. And you can make another, better list for that. Not to please Nanny, not to please the Government, but to please God.

Fr Robert Miller is Parish Priest at Sacred Heart Tisbury and All Saints, Wardour in Clifton Diocese.