I cannot believe that this is the
third week of sheltering. I’m not sure how different that is since I retired. I
do miss attending physically church. Watching on-line is ok but it is different
than being there with 500-600 other people. Nancy and I only go out to the
grocery store and to support through take out our favorite restaurants. I
continue to keep loved ones in prayer, those who care for people with COVID19,
and for all the front line responders police, firepersons, and ambulance
personnel. Also prayers for those who
have lost their jobs or had their hours cut because of sheltering. Pray for
those teachers and administrators who are now working to develop curriculum for
teaching at home. For parents who are with their children who may be uncertain
as to what is happening in the world and for patience. For children to ease
their anxiety and fear and offer them hope. For our governmental leaders to let
go of their personal agendas and to do what is best to ensure the safety of
their constituents. For all of us to not let our anxiety and personal
insecurities to dominate our thoughts and behavior. For churches to realize now
is the time to leave the building to offer what we can to those who are
suffering. Remember Matthew 25:35-41 when you do for the least of them you are
doing it for Jesus.
Most of my prayers, focus on others
having common sense. I keep reading about people gathering in parties or going
to spring break without regard to their health or how they may affect the
health of others. Even pastors who insist to have large church gatherings
risking exposing a large number of people and they going forth and exposing
countless others. I marvel of their lack of sensitivity. Pastors who would do
this, I feel are criminally responsible if any of their congregates become sick
or worse. To not abide by what we hear from those who are front-line experts
about social distancing is foolish and lack common sense.
I am jumping all over the place and
I will try to bring it back. As a member and clergy (though retired) of the
United Methodist Church, I try to not only live as best as I can with scripture
but also the three General Rules of John Wesley. The first is to do no harm.
Continuing to violate common sense and decency, not caring how our behavior can
affect others, does harm. The number of cases here in the surrounding Omaha
area continue to escalate. More of these are community spread. I realize that
there are people who such mild symptoms that they may not know that they are
infected. We can still mitigate the escalating numbers if we would stay home
and only leave for necessary things. We can also not act out of fear by
hoarding items.
The second is to do all the good
you, as often as you can, in all ways you can. Today there are opportunities to
share what we have with those who are less fortunate or in greater need. The
church that I belong to has raised over $10,000 to provide gift cards not just
to congregation members but to any who are need. Just imagine what other
churches could do by remembering to do all the good one can.
The third is to attend to the
ordinances of the church. For me in this on-line environment this can become
more difficult. I and others need to avail themselves as best they can with the
means of grace that God provides for us. Even in times such we are living; God
has not abandoned us. God’s love for us continues to provide us hope, light in
the darkness, and in a future we have yet to see. This is the promise we have
in Jesus. No matter where we are, we can pray, be present with one another
through Zoom, Skype, Duo or many other means, we can read scripture (Our live
group meets weekly over Zoom studying scripture and sharing with one another),
and worship together maybe in a different style and way. We can continue to not
only focus on personal piety but also social piety.
What may seem forever will
eventually pass. We find our hope in Christ not only with science and
isolation. My prayer for us today harkens back to the prayer Jesus taught us.
Jim Wallis did an article from Sojourners with this and I would encourage
everyone to read it.
Til my next musing or rant
blessings
Eldon
