Reflection for Today ▶️ ⏩ ⏹️
The Other Side, photograph by Tobias Mayer, 2020
Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
— 2 John 1:12
These words towards the end of John's second, and very short letter become quite poignant as the world's lockdowns continue1, and we all suffer from lack of face-to-face contact with one another, relying on emails, video screens, and text messages. John sensed that no amount of words on paper would substitute for an in-person conversation with those he cared about. The same is true for us today: no amount of workarounds can replace the very necessary, and most joyful interactions of being with someone, touching them, creating warm, whole-person relationships. These last two years of periodic lockdown have been devastating for many people, especially those living alone, or in care homes, denied the visits of their families. The sooner we can all visit whoever we want to visit, work directly with our colleagues again, and generally feel once again the freedom of movement, the sooner will we begin to heal from the overwhelming sense of loneliness and isolation many are suffering. The danger is we are getting so used to this state of affairs that it starts to feel normal. It is not normal. It will never be normal.
1 Written on 15 December 2021