We are in good company
Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your fathers? (Joel 1:2)
As I scrolled through the endless news on the coronavirus, as I expect we all do, I came across a comparison with measles. According to The New Statesman, measles is far more infectious. Each person with measles passes it on to an average of 10 others. With the coronavirus the number is about 2.5. Then it struck me. Before vaccination, before antibiotics, our 'fathers' must have regularly experienced such infections sweeping across the world. The speed of spread would have been slower and the depth of cover less, but the effects must have been the same: anxiety and isolation. In Eyam in The Peak District, the villagers found the plague in their midst. Instead of fleeing the village and taking the disease to the city, the rector, William Mompesson, persuaded them to go into self-isolation. Food was left for them at the boundary stone by the villages around, paid for with coins disinfected in vinegar. Worship continued, but outdoors in a grassy dell where they could avoid close contact. At the end, after losing all his family to the plague, Mompesson wrote 'Blessed be God'. As we enter a period of isolation, I wonder what we may learn from those who have gone before. Maybe... accept the limits imposed with good grace, find new ways to meet with God, and look out for one another. We are not alone now and many have gone before us through these times. Fear not.
As I scrolled through the endless news on the coronavirus, as I expect we all do, I came across a comparison with measles. According to The New Statesman, measles is far more infectious. Each person with measles passes it on to an average of 10 others. With the coronavirus the number is about 2.5. Then it struck me. Before vaccination, before antibiotics, our 'fathers' must have regularly experienced such infections sweeping across the world. The speed of spread would have been slower and the depth of cover less, but the effects must have been the same: anxiety and isolation. In Eyam in The Peak District, the villagers found the plague in their midst. Instead of fleeing the village and taking the disease to the city, the rector, William Mompesson, persuaded them to go into self-isolation. Food was left for them at the boundary stone by the villages around, paid for with coins disinfected in vinegar. Worship continued, but outdoors in a grassy dell where they could avoid close contact. At the end, after losing all his family to the plague, Mompesson wrote 'Blessed be God'. As we enter a period of isolation, I wonder what we may learn from those who have gone before. Maybe... accept the limits imposed with good grace, find new ways to meet with God, and look out for one another. We are not alone now and many have gone before us through these times. Fear not.
Thanks George. I grew up in Derbyshire, have visited Eyam and have always been familiar with the story. The cottages have plaques outside which give the names of those who lived and died there during the plague, so their example won't be forgotten, nor should it. Sheila, Holwell
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. We spent a very happy 4 years in Totley and visited Eyam.
DeleteNext Sunday, in Holwell, we hope to hand deliver posies for Mothering Sunday. Anne and Keith
ReplyDeleteYes. We're looking at how to do the same in Yetminster.
DeleteHi George, Thanks for this thought provoking blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's so encouraging that church leaders are saying to the people, yes be sensible, however look outward during this time, rather than inward. Self isolation doesn't need to be isolation. I'm glad the stories of communities coming together now seem to take up more coverage than the panic buying, me me me attitude. I hear demand in food banks is even greater as people's jobs suffer and donations are in danger due to people changing habits.
Perfect love drives out fear.
Thanks George, great to have you and your family in Yetminster.
Hi Alan. Yes, I've been struck how changing our spending and giving behaviour affects some people so much more immediately than others - see today's blog!
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