Pastoral Thought--July 16

UGH. . . here we go again. . . Once again the governor has applied restrictions aimed primarily at restaurants and bars. The intended consequence of these restrictions is to limit the spread and transmission of covid-19 in public spaces. We are still to wear our masks in public and practice social distancing continually. Yet, I know you see people every day who defiantly will not listen to these guidelines from either the CDC or Governor Wolf. And I am not here to offer judgement on either side of this situation. 

For now, houses of worship are being spared this closure order—which is a joy to be acknowledged. However, the cynic in my brain groans, “yeah but for how long!” We were just getting our rhythm of worship back under our feet. Worship in our outdoor chapel was a true blessing last week and we have plans to meet there again on the first Sunday of August (hope to see you there!). Things were starting to look and feel more normal around here. The plexiglass that separates us from retailers was not as obtrusive as it once was. Life was moving on. . .  

Then at lunch yesterday, Seneca Valley emailed the parents of the district stating that all schools will open on August 26 with no restrictions and some of us cocked our heads in surprise. “Is this really over?” We wondered. Then 2 hours later, the new regulations were announced. Whatever you think of that choice, or any of the political actions handed down, neither is what I want to reflect upon or offer you today. 

Instead, I want to offer you a gift; a needed gifts. A gift that may just help you move on through this difficult covid-19 season. Receive the gift of compassion. 

In his book, Here and Now: Living in the Spirit, Henri Nouwen writes this: 

‘ “I cannot take your pain away, I cannot offer you a solution for your problem, but I can promise that I won’t leave you alone and will hold on to you as long and as well as I can.” There is much grief and pain in our lives, but what a blessing it is when we do not have to live our grief and plain alone. That is the gift of compassion.'

You may be frustrated today. You may want to tug your hair out at either the restrictions, or the response them in the public sector. You may feel that God is not listening to you and your hope might just be a tad bit weaker today than yesterday. . . If that is the case, then receive Nouwen’s words of compassion directly into your soul. We are all in this together. You. Me. The church body. We will continue to pray together, to read God’s word together, to share joys, concerns and stories. I will still send you these thoughts for you to reflect on. Emmanuel is still among us. 

It may feel like we are taking 2 steps backwards and only 1 forward, but the gift compassion offers you might just be that needed comfort today. I wonder how you will use it? 

Blessings

Rev. Derek