03/16/2020
A story to consider…
In the gospel of Mark, chapter 4:35-39, Jesus and his disciples were aboard a boat when a great windstorm arose. Waves crashed against the boat while Jesus slept. The disciples woke him, concerned that Jesus did not care about them or their perilous circumstance. In response to their plea, Jesus “rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’”
The coronavirus/Covid 19 seems to have come upon us almost as suddenly and violently as this storm. Given its unpredictability, it is an encouraging thought to imagine Jesus, like he did with the storm, arresting the virus with a single powerful word or two.
While we follow the recommended guidelines for avoiding possible infection or transmission of the virus, wouldn’t it also be helpful to be especially mindful and reassured of God’s very real presence with us in the person of the Holy Spirit?
As we seek to live our faith by loving God and others through prayer, expressions of concern and encouragement, and acts of service, we point to and embody that presence in ways that calm anxiety and share the very peace of Christ.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
