Pastoral Thought--July 9

Church Family, 

I know that this is a recurring theme—but once again things are getting tough out there and I feel, we feel, out of control. 

We are encouraged to wear masks in public. Eating in restaurants and bar has been limited for a 2-week time period because of virus spikes around us. The governor is watching the covid-19 numbers climb around us and is threatening restrictions. In Westmoreland, Washington, Beaver, and Allegheny we see positive confirmed cases climbing which means that is is only a matter of time until Butler county is in danger too.  

The tension is high and growing higher (If that’s possible). 

I hear people tell me that they want to get away, but that is not possible right now as the beaches and popular vacation spots are now covid-19 hotspots. We feel trapped. There is nowhere to go and almost nothing that can be done to stop this. Many of you have told me that you are working from home “indefinitely” and that you seek answers, but are finding none. A normal life. . . yeah right. 

Like you, I yearn to breath free again. I yearn to gather in worship without restrictions and fear. I long to leave my mask somewhere other than in the visor of my truck (with my spare two safely stored in sandwich bags in the center console).  I don’t want to have to cross the road when walking Luna because I see someone and don’t want to risk being infected by them. I am anxious about the fall and worried about school, about sending my son to college and what dorm life will look like in a pandemic. . . not to mention that it is so bloody hot today that I feel like I am melting when I walk to church and becoming more dehydrated under my mask. 

So today, to address that tension, I want to offer you the words the Mechthild of Madgeburg—a 13th century mystic—as a way to "breath again” with God again.' While living with the Beguine community in Germany, she explored the soul's relationship with God. In a section of her work entitled: “HOW GOD ANSWER THE SOUL,” we read: 

"It is my nature that makes me love you often,

For I am love itself.

It is my longing that makes me love you intensely,

For I yearn to be loved from the heart.

It is my eternity that makes me love you long,

For I have no end."

When you feel that tension rising in you, when you shoulders are creaping up to your ears in stress, re-read Mechthild’s prayer. Let the love of God that you find there become a means to press in to God and be made whole again. Remember you are loved by God and that God will see you through any tension, any stress, and any pain that comes. 

Blessings

Rev. Derek