April 3, 2020

Daily Lectionary Reading for Year A

The cries of the Psalmist, the suffering of Job, and Paul's contemplation of death while encouraging people to live fully meet us on this day.  Today, like days before, we wake to the news of more death.  Bill Withers died due to the coronavirus.  He wrote many amazing songs, including "Lean On Me" and "Grandma's Hands."  And so, we continue distancing from one another.  We know the alternative is grim.  Still, it is hard not to hug or connect to one another.  My mom wrote a poem.  Maybe we can find new ways to love one another and do all we can to keep people healthy.  

We’ve Got New Rules to Follow
by Phyllis Prentiss

We’ve got new rules to follow
and they are quite hard to swallow.

We wash our hands
and stay at home
It’s fine unless
you live alone.

We can’t help wondering
how it will end
with our social distant rules,
is there a new way to greet a friend?

We can’t hug anymore—-
maybe a bow!
It’s so easy and natural
We’ll have to learn how.

We bow with respect
when dignitaries meet.
We would have to get used to
a new way to greet.

We bow in square dances
in respect of each other;
Let’s give it a try
when we all get together!

Hugging and handshakes
will take a backseat
to a mysterious virus
we don’t want to meet.

Peace,
Dean