Brexit has finally arrived. After years of speculation, anxiety, uncertainty, anticipation: it is here. So now, what? How is this actually going to work out? Some people are hopeful for life after Brexit, others despairing. Time will tell. But in the meantime, we can only keep on going on.
The Covid vaccine has finally arrived. After months of anticipation, anxiety, unease and uncertainty, here it is. As the numbers who have been vaccinated gradually rises, we are anxious to know: now what? Is this going to work? Some promise a return to normal life soon. Others say we will be wearing masks for many months to come. For the moment, we hunker down and get on as best we can.
Something similar happened after the birth of Christ. Long hoped-for and feared, the Messiah finally arrived. Confusingly for those who had eagerly awaited his arrival, Jesus was not a political leader and he conquered no-one. And many people asked: now what? To some he was God, to others a fraud, and for others a political irritant. None of his disciples really understand Jesus’ message. They just muddled through.
Long after Covid19 is eradicated, and Brexit is just a historical footnote, people will still be debating, celebrating, ignoring and misunderstanding Jesus’ significance. For the moment, it is not clear. We are in the “now what?” time.
Alasdair Coles
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