Christians have always believed
that the crucified Christ shares our sufferings.
Now this powerful truth seems to apply in a new way,
as we all begin to face the unimaginable impact
of the coronavirus.
Jesus will have reeled
as they pushed the crown of thorns down onto his head,
and our world is reeling too
at the impact
of this previously unknown aggressor.
But Christ is with us
in it all,
bearing and sharing the pain.
His love is stronger than all our grief and woundedness,
and his mercy reaches out towards us
when selfishness gets the better of us.
He will never abandon us.
Crucified and risen Lord,
strengthen me and strengthen us all
at this difficult time,
and keep us close to you.
Be with all who are anxious or sick,
and all who care for them.
Be with those I worry over,
and help me to remember
that nothing at all
can separate us from your love.