25th November 2020

A new but essential accessory has appeared in our shops. There is plenty of choice from an attractive fabric, to plain black, or a utilitarian pack of 20 for £5. Face masks are a must for us all. Before it became preventative and protective equipment, the face mask was worn to prevent the wearers face from being recognised.

Consider Venetian masked balls, medieval mystery plays, a burglar’s Balaclava or politician impersonation, all of which involves the use of masks of one sort or another. These types of mask act as disguises.

Covering up the nose and mouth with a preventative mask also sometimes makes people difficult to recognise. It is possible to be more invisible to others and to hide behind the shield. But fabric is not needed for that. We can hide our true selves behind masks of our own making. Pretence is a good camouflage when we are not true to our real selves. But to whom do we show our real selves?

It is only God who sees us as we really are, only God through his Holy Spirit who know what our hidden motives are behind our actions.

The Lord does not see as mortals see, they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Sam 16:7

For me the threat of Covid- 19 has slowed down the pace of my life allowing me space for more reflection than usual. I pray the words from Psalm 139 search me O God and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts.  See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

Elizabeth Webb