Written By Dr. Mano Emmanuel, Sri Lanka

A truck drove down our lane where we have been confined to our homes now for almost a week. It contained bags of vegetables for sale. Another truck followed with bags of dry rations such as rice, lentils and sugar. A neighbor called to tell me what was happening. I went out in haste to see my neighbours emerge from their homes wearing makeshift masks. We were glad, both at the sight of supplies and also to see one another.

It is a strange paradox that in this time of isolation and social distancing, we are discovering the art of community afresh. We are realising how much we took for granted. We are learning to be concerned for those around us, and to be more sensitive to others’ needs. We are learning to share and to give. And for some of us, perhaps we are learning the difficult lesson of receiving—to lay down our determined self- sufficiency and accept another’s generosity. It is humbling. It is also heart-warming.

In this pandemic, we can be grateful for the technology that helps us maintain community while apart. Our smartphones and internet enable us to talk to family and friends, hold online Bible studies and join others in virtual church. This is something previous generations did not have in times of crisis. Perhaps, as one commentator observed, we should not call what we are doing “social distancing”, but “spatial distancing” because we want to nurture community where we can. We want to keep connected.

And yet… when the silence falls, loneliness beckons, especially for those living alone or separated from families because of the travel restrictions. At those times we remember Jesus, who, for our sakes, voluntarily faced loneliness, to the point of separation from His Father. He willingly accepted the deadly infection of our sin, though His whole being shrank from it. Three times He prayed in great distress in Gethsemane that the cup He faced might be removed. In Matthew 26:36-42, we read Jesus’ prayer: “Yet not my will but yours be done”. He died in public, in full sight of the crowds and yet forsaken.

But because He rose again and lives forever, we are never truly alone. Jesus is close to the broken hearted. He is a merciful high priest who understands our weaknesses. He is interceding for us, and nothing can snatch us out of His hands. He is with us. Let us trust Him and be at peace.