Mothers’ Union Devotion Wednesday 16th September 2020

Reflection

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13. 12-13

Words for today from that most famous of chapters, even for those who have little experience of the Bible. One which is familiar to so many people from weddings and indeed occasionally funerals. At weddings, the words that draw people’s attention the most are the ones concerning love because such an occasion is full of joy. Joy and hope that the love of this new couple can indeed bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things.

When this passage is read at more poignant occasions, however, it is often different words which provide us with reassurance. At times of loss and confusion, when we can’t make sense of why this has happened to us or our loved ones, Paul’s words give us confidence that it is okay that we feel all at sea, disoriented and bewildered.  Paul reassures us that we are only meant to see in the mirror dimly. There will come a time when we will know fully, but it is not now.

These words seem particularly important at the moment when the world immediately around us is changing so often. New rules to ensure our safety seem to be coming in all the time. Unlike back in March, they are not the same for each part of the Diocese. So, for many of you in the North-East of the diocese the rules are stricter than for those of us in the South and West. Over time this may well be reversed but it is not guaranteed. Life has become in many ways, completely unpredictable but in the most important ways, life does not change at all.

Paul’s words that we will indeed see clearly and will know fully can only be fulfilled by the eternal love of God. God’s love for us is the most fundamental constant in our lives. No matter how confusing, scary, or frustrating our daily lives become we are always upheld by the greatest force in the universe – God’s love. In these difficult and confusing times, we need to pray for the reassurance of steadfast faith, enduring hope and the greatest of all everlasting love.

With all my love and prayers for you all at these bewildering times.

Revd. Sandra