August 4, 2020

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

I got a Covid-19 test last week.  I went to the Kent County Health Department website and scheduled a free, drive-thru test for last Wednesday.  I wanted to make sure I wasn't carrying the virus as we started in-person worship.  I received my results Monday.  Negative.  

Although I wasn't showing any symptoms, I was surprised by the extreme relief I felt when the nurse let me know I was not carrying this virus.  Samantha Schrader, a nurse in Washington DC, wrote this:  
I am NOT afraid of contracting COVID-19.
BUT... I am exponentially fearful that I will contract COVID-19 and spread it unknowingly.

I CANNOT live with the guilt of being a vector to an untimely death.

Please share this fear with me.

​We must live as though we are carrying this virus, whether we have been tested or not.  These are consequential times.  Our actions can determine the well-being of others perhaps without us ever knowing.  Fortunately, we have the power to choose to act responsibly out of love for others.

In the Book of Acts, when faced with the realization everything had changed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the people had an opportunity to act.  The could choose to embrace this new inter-connected life by repentance, baptism, and taking care of one another.  They could choose to share what they had with any who had a need.  Thousands responded in the waters of baptism that first day and countless have followed in the centuries since.

Perhaps this is the time for you to choose to embrace and active faith.  This challenging time can call us to repent of our sins, be washed in the grace of baptism, and remember we are carrying the same Spirit that descended upon Jesus in the Jordan River.  We can commit ourselves to praise God through prayer and worship.  We can live a life of gratitude, as one who has been saved by grace.  We can give and sacrifice so that the community is blessed.

What do you think is the difference between having faith and living faithfully?  How is your baptism a reminder to care for and love the community?

Peace,
Dean