Dear Ones,
At times like this it can be quite normal to feel a variety of emotions. Stress, overwhelm, fear, and dread can be in fierce competition with joy, hope, love, and compassion.
The good news is, our faith is a constant touchstone for reorienting to our God and the world around us. Many of us are finding new ways to be in social contact with one another from a distance and some of us are relying on the tried and true methods of calling up a friend on the phone. I would encourage you to explore the social platforms of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to stay connected to church life at this time.
You can also use the hashtags #LoveLafayette and #LoveLUMC to lift up and celebrate the kind gestures and signs of hope that you post on social media.
I would be foolish to predict what life will be like for us in the days and weeks to come, but I do know this: by doing our best to stay well and healthy, we are able to give much more of ourselves to those who are ailing. What has often come to mind for me in the last week are those lyrics to the the song, “The Summons.”
Would you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen?
The Summons
I have known church members who have shared with me their utter disgust at this line of the song, and yet the question really is something to ponder: Just what degree of risk would we make the decision to put ourselves into, in order to bring healing to another? The answer will be different for all of us and what we have to offer is different for each of us. I have also been pondering the crucifixion scene in the Gospel of Matthew in Chapter 27 in which Jesus, God himself in the flesh, becomes disabled on the cross and needs the help of others.
Many women were watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to serve him.
Matthew 27:55
In this time of social distancing, I can imagine the mixture of feelings including the helplessness that the women must have felt while being at a distance and powerless to change the outcome. While we may hear of dismal predictions in the news and experience outcomes that we would not choose, our God remains ever present to testify that there is promise in resurrection and new life that conquers death.
As the church and as disciples of Jesus we carry with us the Easter joy and promise that has gone viral throughout the ages.
As always, let us continue to watch over one another in love, and if you are feeling ill or vulnerable to sickness, please stay sheltered in residence for your own well being and for the public good. If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to Pastor Robin or another member of the church.
In love and care,
Pastor Robin