Today’s Faith – April 2020

As we approach this Easter, life is strange. Shops and restaurants are closed. We’re asked to isolate ourselves. Even churches are closed to Sunday Worship. How do we celebrate Easter?

Let’s first remember the message of Easter. God loved us so much that God came in Jesus, a human person, to teach us how to love. Jesus walked this earth, suffered the violence of human minds and hands, and died a human death. But God in Jesus was not defeated. God rose again to send the gift of the Holy Spirit to live within each one of us. Our job now is to spread God’s love to the world. That’s the Easter message. God loves us, each and every one. God’s love continues through us.

Sunday worship in church buildings isn’t happening, but church communities are still at work. Our church session gathered for a “Zoom” meeting this week. Zoom is a technological innovation that allows people to sit in their homes in front of their computer and see and talk with a group of others.

While we talked, the caring and love of and for our church community shone through. We laid out a plan to contact by phone, not just our own church family, but also anyone else, older or younger, that we believe needed a visit. We set up a guideline for our phone visit to help us discern who needed what, and whether the church could help. Yes, this plan will require hours on the phone for some of us. But what better way to spend our time? We affirmed a “work-around” so the foodbank in our church building could function. For me, our church is rising to bring new life amidst this pandemic.

Yes, Easter will happen this year. For sure, God will not be defeated. Even worship is being streamed on the internet and sermons photocopied and distributed. I offer you this prayer as part of my being the risen Christ in this world.

Loving God,

We are asked to live in isolation from one another. We all suffer some. Our daily lives are changed. Many are alone. To those of us who are able and willing to reach out to others through telephone and internet, give the strength, commitment and wisdom to be your voice of love and caring.

We fear, Lord, fear sickness, financial disaster. Help us remember that your love is stronger than our fear. Open our minds to believe that the help you promised will come.

Give us all patience and courage. Keep us conscious of your presence within and around us. We are not alone. You walk with us, whatever happens. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Rev. Janet Stobie

 

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