Yet again, we are in a lockdown, separated from our families, friends and neighbours.

We may even begin to look on others with fear and suspicion: who knows where they have been, what virus they may carry?

Life could become a very isolated and very lonely experience.

So, what does it look like to be a good person in these circumstances?

A long time ago, a smart lawyer questioned a young charismatic preacher/healer, Jesus of Nazareth,

“What must I do to have eternal life?”

Jesus neatly got the lawyer to answer it for himself: “Love God with everything you’ve got and love your neighbour as yourself.”

But the lawyer couldn’t let it go: “And who is my neighbour?”

Many will know what followed, the story of the Good Samaritan, a person who showed great love and care to a total stranger.

Maybe that’s our clue to living well in a lockdown.

We can still smile and be friendly to strangers even when we’re socially distanced.

We can still pick up that ‘phone, write that text or send that email to those we know and even those we hardly know.

We can still know and love God and we can still be good neighbours.

REVEREND TONY EDMONDS

Agglestone Road, Studland