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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rabbi Julia Neuberger

Good morning.

Still in lockdown, our hospitals having a tough time, our healthcare staff are exhausted, and our schools are closed. I chair two hospitals in London, and I am moved beyond measure by the work of our professionals- doctors and nurses, physios and radiographers, receptionists and cleaners, lab scientists and porters, and the ever present security staff trying to persuade members of the public to be sensible, and not visit when this new strain of Covid is so infectious. The staff are absolutely wonderful. But they are also absolutely exhausted.

It reminds me of the story of the prophet Elijah in the Hebrew Bible. He was being pursued, not by Covid, but by King Ahab鈥檚 men. And he was beyond weary: 鈥淗e came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 鈥淚 have had enough, Lord,鈥� he said. 鈥淭ake my life; I am no better than my ancestors.鈥� Some of our staff sometimes feel as weary as that.

Yet things changed for Elijah. 鈥溾��he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, 鈥淕et up and eat.鈥� 鈥�. there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank鈥︹�� And his strength was renewed.

We too could help exhausted staff. God, give us the strength to support those who are looking after the sick. Give us the empathy to feel for their exhaustion, and let us help make their lives better, by supporting and caring for them, thanking them for their work, and showing we value them immeasurably.