If ever we had confirmation that the Christian church is more than its material possessions, the events of the last few weeks have shown this to be true. The present requirements for avoiding illness have resulted in a shortage of supplies for some, restriction of mobility for others and financial distress for those affected by layoffs.
Almost the moment these problems became known, it seems as if an army of people from our communities and elsewhere went into action. Hot meals were prepared. Offers of delivery of groceries and medications were made, even before our local suppliers got in on the action. People have been caring for their neighbours since the beginning of this pandemic. Many are members of churches. A lot are not. It seems, though, there is a spirit at work that is more than just the principle of community. God is at work here.
We, as God's creatures, are charged with the responsibility of caring for the world in which we live. The "Golden Rule" includes the instruction to love our neighbour. Jesus taught us that a neighbour is anyone we encounter, regardless of our relationship to them. We need to do what we can, within out capacity to do so. Jesus called it "taking up your cross." We see many of us doing that very thing. Within the limits recently imposed on our lives, we seem willing to go out of our way to help others. We wave at passing cars and greet others walking at a safe distance, whether we know them or not. We have become more neighbourly.
For the first time in a long while, we are experiencing first hand what Jesus meant when he challenged His followers to take His yoke upon themselves and discover how easy it is to serve Him. May it continue long after our present time of isolation ends. When believers can meet together again, let's do it to get recharged for our true mission of service to others.
Stay safe.
