Under the category of “who knew” … who knew a week ago that “flattening the curve” “pandemic” and “social distancing” would be part of our everyday vocabulary? Who knew that ‘snowbirds’ would be shortening their winter vacations to scuttle home to Canada? Who knew that public buildings would be shuttered and businesses would be threatened with collapse? Who knew that weddings, long in the planning, would be put off to a later date and funerals and memorials postponed indefinitely? Who knew that words like “unprecedented” would be on our lips with every conversation? It is a changing and unsettled world out there and it is like nothing we have seen before.
Everyday it feels like we are Alice travelling in Wonderland, astounded at what was happening around her. When she encountered the Mad Hatter he said, “It is a very strange place. You have to run very fast to stay in one place and to get somewhere you have to run even faster.” With every news cast it seems there are increasing restrictions as the rate of infection grows. We look to trusted news sources and feel confident they are giving us the accurate picture. But, then in conversation and through social media we hear frightening comments and, with every one of those comments, we are drawn into various possibilities even as we wonder about their veracity. Fact or fiction it feels like fear is at the door all the time.
In fear-filled days, when anxiety runs high, and fear fills our imagination we remember that “Fear not”, is an injunction that appears in the Bible over 100 times. God is always giving that message. Through the words of prophets, angels, and Jesus, over and over, God says, “Be not afraid.” But I am human enough to say, “Thanks God, but, that feels easier said than done.” Sometimes fear gets the better of people. And it can be fear about the strangest things … Just ask the people who have stocked up on toilet paper! I guess some solace is found in the fact that God has had to give that message over and over and over again and still, here we are, living with fear. So, I guess the other consolation from scripture, even when I am fearful, is to know I have that resource of scripture which speaks openly and honestly about the reality of fear and reminds us of the consolation that comes in the courage and strength of God. As the words of promise in our Creed states, “We are not alone.”
As many pundits, writers and Facebook users have encouraged, we can turn this time of slowing the pace : no shopping, no travelling, no parties, no shows, NO CHURCH! into a time of reflection and sabbath. This can, instead of being a time of fear and worry, be a time to relish those moments with family and, yes, I will say it, with God. Time to pray and contemplate, a time to offer to God our deep emotions and be open to God’s unending love.
Who knew … that Lent would be interrupted, or perhaps deepened, by a virus that caused us to stay home.
What an excellent post. Well said. Thank you.