Just before the crucifixion, The Gospel of John records a passionate prayer offered by Jesus. One sentiment from that prayer has been on my mind and heart as I have reflected on the push for faith communities to resume public worship:
"Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost…" (John 17:11-12)
"Not one of them was lost".
This should be our prayer as well, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to put everyone’s health and life at risk. Our goal and mission should be to ensure that no one among us is lost. That can only happen if we resist the impulse to gather again for public worship at this time. When we stand firm and refuse to heed the ill-begotten insistence from politicians and others to open the doors of places of worship too soon, we protect one another…guard one another…so that no one will be lost.
If places of worship are opened, there is no question that some will pass the coronavirus on to others – no matter how carefully that guidelines are followed. All it takes would be one person lifting a mask for a split second to scratch a nose or wipe a tear, followed by an unexpected sneeze or cough that is then carried more than six feet by air circulating from a ceiling fan or a breeze through an opened window. Then others become exposed. And the hope that “no one will be lost” is no longer certain.
May all people of faith and goodwill persevere in seeking justice, continue exemplifying love through acts of selfless compassion, worship and celebrate with pious enthusiasm – all done virtually and safely. In so doing, we demonstrate how deeply we cherish one another so that no one will be lost.
"Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost…" (John 17:11-12)
"Not one of them was lost".
This should be our prayer as well, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to put everyone’s health and life at risk. Our goal and mission should be to ensure that no one among us is lost. That can only happen if we resist the impulse to gather again for public worship at this time. When we stand firm and refuse to heed the ill-begotten insistence from politicians and others to open the doors of places of worship too soon, we protect one another…guard one another…so that no one will be lost.
If places of worship are opened, there is no question that some will pass the coronavirus on to others – no matter how carefully that guidelines are followed. All it takes would be one person lifting a mask for a split second to scratch a nose or wipe a tear, followed by an unexpected sneeze or cough that is then carried more than six feet by air circulating from a ceiling fan or a breeze through an opened window. Then others become exposed. And the hope that “no one will be lost” is no longer certain.
May all people of faith and goodwill persevere in seeking justice, continue exemplifying love through acts of selfless compassion, worship and celebrate with pious enthusiasm – all done virtually and safely. In so doing, we demonstrate how deeply we cherish one another so that no one will be lost.
Author
Chuck H. Ericson
Chuck Ericson began serving the churches and clergy of the Eastern Region of the historic Connecticut Conference upon the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Thomas Clough. It is familiar territory for Chuck, as he was actively involved in the Tolland ...