The news cycle has been taken over by what is happening with
the spread of COVID-19 which is the designation for the current corona virus
replacing the news of the blockades which had its turn and has become yesterday’s
news. It is a pandemic by any common
sense measure. It is unlikely that
COVID-19 will become yesterday’s news any time soon despite how fervent our
prayers might be or the actions of our governments.
The people who know these things state that what the
financial markets want more than anything else is certainty. Well, by the reaction of the markets we have confirmation
that there is no certainty where COVID-19 is concerned. Lorna and I are dealing with our own challenge
of uncertainty, having booked a grand tour to Western Canada beginning in the middle
of May by VIA Rail. We have put down a
substantial deposit and have to pay the not unsubstantial balance by the end of
the week. In effect we have to fish or
cut bait and decide if we will go ahead with what could be a trip at the height
of a viral emergency. It could also be
that the outbreak has become yesterday’s news by that time as the warmer
weather mitigates the spread.
At home, organizations large and small are facing the issue
of what to do about gathering in groups.
Our bishop has issued a pastoral letter which is reassuring regarding worship
with the passing of peace which is usually done by shaking hand and the
receiving the communion elements.
Basically, it calls for common sense and no need for extraordinary
measures at this time urging parishioners to stay home if they are unwell and
above all wash hand frequently and thoroughly. The advise is to sing Happy Birthday for the duration
of washing but I think What a friend we have in Jesus would also be appropriate
The stress implied here is “at this time”
as circumstances develop.
The letter opens with the call that we “take appropriate
precautions and also that we respond as faithful and caring Christians.” The unstated
implication is that we are called to love one another as Jesus Christ loves
us. We can best do that in this situation
as in all others by showing our care for others. In this case it might mean that we need to
take extra caution about trying to ensure that we do what we can do to minimized
the risk that we might spread the virus before we experience symptoms if there
is any reasonable chance we have been exposed to the virus. This is particularly the case if we have been
travelling to area where there are cases of COVID-19. Many faithful Christians will want to attend worship
services after being away on a trip but perhaps the best way to show our love
to the community is to stay home in such circumstance.
This is only one example of how we have to rethink our daily
activities in the coming days and weeks ahead.
As the hymn states, “they will know we are Christians by our love.” Let us love one another at this time as we should
at all times.
Blessing on your journey even if it is a journey staying
home.
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