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Good morning.听

A year ago, when the news was a horrifying torrent of fear, I found refuge in Tudor times, through Hilary Mantel鈥檚 Wolf Hall trilogy. Despite references to plague and uncertainty, there was something comforting about being transported back in time, safe in the knowledge that whatever I encountered there was past.听

It鈥檚 not exactly a plot spoiler to say that the protagonist, Thomas Cromwell, dies in the end - the story, as in life, cut short with questions unanswered and storylines left to continue unobserved.听

On the final page is a quotation from the poet Petrarch:听

For you, perhaps, if as I hope and wish you will live long after me, there will follow a better age. When the darkness is dispelled, our descendants will be able to walk back, into the pure radiance of the past.听

I was glad of the pure radiance of the story, free to relish the characters and plot, to immerse myself in a different age, when every news bulletin reminded me of a heartbreaking reality.听

Hindsight and retelling of history brings clarity to our actions and makes sense of experience. It reminds me of Paul鈥檚 words to the Corinthians:听

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.听

Life does not follow a tidy plot line. There is hardship and suffering as well as joy to experience. To be fully known gives strength and hope for our times.听

Father, thank you that we are seen and heard and known by you in the depths of our pain and the heights of our joy. Give us perseverance and joy for today. Amen.

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