A View From The Vicarage - January
Dear Friends
Happy New Year! The month of January takes its name from the Roman God Janus who had two faces so that he could look both backwards and forwards at the same time. I wonder how many teachers and parents down the centuries would have loved to have emulated Janus and literally have had “eyes in the back of their heads.” As appealing as the idea may seem, I imagine that the challenges for those of us who wear glasses or contact lenses would have been considerable!
It seems to me, however, that as we prepare to embark on the great adventure of another year following what must surely have been one of the most tumultuous and extraordinary years in any of our lifetimes that never before were Janus’ optical capabilities more necessary or desirable.
Who would have imagined a mere twelve month ago that 2020 would become the year that it has? Back in January 2020 how many of us could have conceived that an unknown virus causing difficulties in a largely unknown part of China would dominate and control the lives and livelihoods of so many millions across the globe in the way that it has? Who could have conceived that appalling catalogue of severe illness and death with which we’ve become so familiar? Who in January 2020 could have predicted and foreseen the cataclysmic impact not just upon the health of so many but also of the incalculable damage to our economic wellbeing or those simply mind boggling amounts of money the Governments here have been raising to fund our health care system and support jobs and industries devastated by the consequences of this virulent killer.
As we look with Janus’ clarity back over these last traumatic months through the fog of lockdown and social distancing we have it seems to me witnessed both the best and the worst that human beings are capable of, from the incredible acts of spontaneous truly altruistic generosity and kindness during those long months of shielding including some incredible acts of selfless kindness here in our own communities or the clap for carers throughout the national lockdown in the spring and, of course, the generosity and integrity demonstrated by Captain Sir Tom Moore. All of these were bright beacons of light in a time which felt very dark and demoralising for many. How gratifying it was to see how people respond graciously and generously when the need arises.
Sadly, however, alongside these inspiring actions we also witnessed greed and carelessness; we witnessed people refusing to follow rules designed to protect the vulnerable. Truly 2020 has been a year when we’ve witnessed human beings at their best but also their worst.
As the year ends I want to pay particular tribute to the stoicism demonstrated quietly and patiently by so many here; those who’ve adapted to difference to unexpected rules with such calm patience. You have been an inspiration to me; to thank you very much.
Janus’ other face looked forwards and at this time of the year we want to imagine what the next twelve months will bring? With the positive news about vaccines and members of our communities already receiving vaccinations we can I think look forward with confidence to a time when the devastating effects of coronavirus will at least have been neutralised. It is often observed that the darkest hour is the one just before the dawn. For many people 2020 has seemed like truly “Long Good Friday”, but Good Friday is only good because of Easter and as we peer into the mists of 2021 let’s pray for the courage and the resilience to keep going, to keep protecting each other with the firm assurance that the first golden rays of Easter are now visible amidst the darkness, the gloom is lifting. To the aficionados of Narnia the reign of the White Witch is being broken and Aslan or Resurrection life streaks the horizon.
With resolve and courage in our hearts may we greet 2021 determined to play our full part in defeating the scourge of Covid-19 in our communities and ready for the overwhelming joy which will sweep across the world as vaccination programmes are rolled out and all of us are defended against the malign enemy of coronavirus.
In love, in hope, in expectation
A happy and blessed new year to you all.
Ben