Each day at 1pm, I listen to our nation’s leaders reporting on the reality of COVID19 here in Aotearoa New Zealand. I listen firstly to a series of numbers –the number of new cases –including ways transmitted; the current number of those with the virus; the number of deaths; and the number of those who are now well again. We hear numbers of tests done and we are now also getting the numbers of rule breaches under lockdown. We are becoming used to this list of numbers and we know the numbers we are hoping for. In a world where these numbers are horrifying, I feel very fortunate I am living in this country where each COVID19 death is able to be individually acknowledged by our PM.

As I reflect on all these numbers, that at times feel overwhelming, I am reassured by Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew (10: 29-31), when he says Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

So many numbers, but the reality is that underlying all these numbers, each one counts. God counts each one. God cares for each individual -each one is important. So amidst these numbers, may we remember that underneath all the counting, are individuals –you and me –your neighbour and my neighbour - those we can reach out to and ensure they know they matter -they count.