Baguettes

Baguettes. Four rises. Four punches down and kneads before division and shaping and two more rises.

The baker online says that adds to the flavour. I don’t quite see how, but I’m trying it.

Then he recommends a pan of boiling water at the bottom of the oven, to make for a crustier crust. And precise scoring of the crust, again to add to the experience of eating it.

I don’t get it. But he’s the expert.

This lock down is full of rises and punches down. Significantly more than four as we head into our eighth week. Globally there is so much pain and anguish. For each of those deaths recorded daily, there are loved ones in abject grief and shock. Many homes feel more like cells than havens by now. Many children are confused and perplexed as they miss their pals and long for some freedom.

We may hear of a bit of a rise tonight. Maybe a relaxing of some of the restrictions. But many of us are bracing for another punch down, if infections begin to rise as a result.

There is a global groan as this pandemic reshapes the world. It will not be as it was. In the pain, though, there  is opportunity. Opportunity to shape a world order informed by compassion. A world where ambitious self-interest gives way to seeking after the greater good, for environment and society.

In this world we have trouble, Jesus confirmed. But we can take heart, for he has overcome the world. Only he knows the best way out of this crisis in which we are flailing. May we emerge from this painful period trusting in God to help us shape a better world.