Glimpses of Dawn - Holy Week and COVID-19

This is Holy Week, and today is called Maundy Thursday. The name is derived from mandatum, the Latin word from which we get our word ‘mandate’, or command – and commemorates Jesus' new command in John 13:34 – a new command I give you, that you love each other.

His words foreshadow his definition of love

That Christ gives us this command immediately before going to the cross is significant. His words foreshadow his definition of love as a self-sacrificing all-in kind of love–the kind of love that drives us to prayer and fasting for the benefit of our brothers and sisters.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."  Isaiah 58:6-9

We know that this is not the way it’s supposed to be

As I write this, coronavirus deaths in the world are continuing to rise – and United States deaths are approaching 15,000. And though cases and deaths in Canada are much lower, these numbers continue to rise as well. To say that this is lamentable is certainly an understatement. We think of the many lives lost, families grieving, millions alone, and our hearts break. We know that this is not the way it’s supposed to be – but our current circumstance is perfectly emblematic of the sinful world in which we live.

Our current circumstance won’t last forever. Even in the midst of the bad news of the day, we see signs that the ‘curve is flattening’ in certain parts of the country – this has already begun in a few parts of the world. We are beginning to see glimpses of the dawn.

As children of God, trouble can remind us that we have a Savior

We continue to be reminded that the impact of this virus is not evenly felt in our world. Many of us, even as we stay at home, wash our hands frequently and use videoconferencing for communication, are privileged to have these things – homes – clean water – technology. There are some in our community – and certainly abroad – who are not so privileged. It’s often difficult for us to know how we can make a difference in these lives, but we know that we are called to love and care for each other– and as we do…

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;

This week, and this pandemic, remind us again of Jesus Christ – his life, and especially his death – his death on a cross for the sins of this world.

And we remember Jesus' words that ‘in this life we will have trouble’. It is because of these troubles – because of our sins – that Jesus came. As children of God, trouble can remind us that we have a Savior – trouble can remind us of God’s love – trouble can remind us that though the darkness is here – Sunday’s coming.

May we be so reminded.

Prayer:

Lord, as we experience Holy Week, remind us of your all-in love –

Give us a passion for desiring to know more about you –

Give us the strength to love the people you created in your image –

Give us the desire to loose the chains of injustice -- to share our food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — to clothe the naked, and not to turn away from our own flesh and blood

God our Father, we pray that your light will break forth like the dawn -- that your healing will quickly appear -- that your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be revealed.

Lord, help us to love you deeply – And love our neighbors without reservation –

Sanctify us with your word and your truth.

In the name of Jesus the Christ

Amen

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash