FROM THE RECTOR – July 10, 2020

Each day I look at the number of new COVID-19 cases in the CSRA. I keep hoping that I will see a down turn, something that will point to the end. Each day, so far, I have been disappointed.

As Jesus hung on the cross, in his time of deepest despair, he gave voice to all that he was feeling, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words from Psalm 22 continue, “and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; by night as well, but I find no rest.”

These are difficult times for so many. This virus has affected our lives and the lives of those around us. We hurt; we fear the uncertainty of what lies ahead. What will life and community look like in the months to come? How will commerce and schools and, yes, the Church continue to look for new ways to fulfill their purpose?

“My God, my God….” As the Church we must always remember that we are not just some other organization or business that is trying to find new ways to stay viable. We are living members of the Body of Christ, called to continue the reconciling work, the work of drawing each other and the world that surrounds us into right and closer relationship with God.

Just as we can now see beyond Jesus’ words of despair to the joy and knowledge of resurrection and new life; so we can glimpse what lies ahead for us who are faithful in being his Body here and now. There is hope. There is hope that we will fully see the Christ in each other; that we can hurt when others hurt and be joyful when they are joyful; and work purposefully in the work of reconciliation that draws all humanity toward God and one another.

I don’t know how things will look as we begin to return to any sense of “normal.” But I do know working together, loving each other, bearing one another’s burdens, sharing our hopes and dreams, we will continue to be the Church. For just as the Psalm does not end in despair, but looks to hope and promise – “My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him; they shall be known as the Lord’s forever” – so we too look with hope to our future.

Let us pray.

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgement, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may see us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

George