In This Together

My apologies for putting Corvid-19 not once but twice in last week’s blog instead of Covid-19. It has now been corrected. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is inescapable. What was something that prompted silly posts of Corona beer bottles alone in a corner in the fridge has become far more real and serious in a week. We’ve seen many sides of humanity in that time - thieves taking masks from hospitals and hoarders clearing grocery store shelves as though the apocalypse is coming, and those providing hope, resources and endless hours as health professionals, educators, clergy, good Samaritans and others.

As churches decide whether or not to offer public worship to meet the spiritual and social needs of people aching for normalcy and routine, it is tempting to be self-focused and us-focused. As I consider my own response to this I’ve gone through so many emotions - disbelief, frustration, anger, anxiety, fear. I’m guessing I’m not alone. I’m very aware of how this might impact me, Then I thought about those closest to me and the congregation I serve. Canceling worship seemed extreme and wrong. And yet this past Sunday I could sense the concern and tension of those who came, despite all the precautions we took..

Thanks to some time and a myriad of posts and news reports my knowledge has grown and my perspective has shifted. The learning curve has been steep and uncomfortable, but we’re all being forced to climb it. As those in Italy and Spain remind us, we ignore their current reality at our peril. From social distancing to self isolation, we have a new lingo constantly being used around us. Our new normal is filled with hand washing, staying at home and being even more reliant on the internet. I’ve been learning about how we can still worship virtually from home. And I’ve started thinking about how we include those without internet access or computer savvy.

But more than all this I’ve been humbled by those who see this time as an opportunity to show solidarity with those who are weaker than us, who are more vulnerable and who are terrified. I’ve been inspired by those selflessly seeking solutions around the clock. Inspiring posts have reminded me of the strength of the soul to sing across balconies during quarantines and make music for the whole neighbourhood. They’ve reminded me of the need to care for those who will lose their jobs, for kids who won’t get fed because of relying on school meal programs, and for already lonely seniors feeling even more left out. We are challenged to check on our neighbours, to serve the isolated and offer to get their groceries, and to care for the most impacted.

As people of faith, this should be our time to rise to the occasion and shine. While we may be worried, we need to walk the talk of the hope we find in God. We need to embrace the opportunities this gives us. We need to remember that God walks with us through everything. We need to look outward rather than inward, concerned for the well-being of everyone even if it means personal sacrifice.

How appropriate that we are on this journey during the season of Lent. As I’ve seen posted on facebook, “I knew I’d have to give up something for Lent but I wasn’t quite anticipating this much!” May we see how much more we are gaining in time we have to commune with God, to serve each other and to reflect on what is most important.

The peace of Christ be with you!