2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer
self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this
light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory
beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the
things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the
things that are unseen are eternal.”
Yes, our
world is living with a very critical, serious situation. You, because you are on the front line of
medical care, experience the immediate gravity of COVID-19 in ways others of us
do not. Indeed, we are in crisis, yet
this does not have to be a crisis of our faith.
Perhaps precisely when our faith is shaken
during a crisis… it is simply being stirred in ways for which our faith can
grow, deepen, or even strengthen. Now is a ripe moment for our faith: in one
another, confidence in leadership, and confidence in our GOD; to transform for
the better and best!
Why am I so assured that a crisis serves as an
opportunity rather than a faith catastrophe?
Because people of faith have lived with health crises similar to this
during different eras. Maybe you and I have not lived through this, but the
world has witnessed lots of diseases. Moreover, during previous centuries these
believers grew into a mighty witness of compassion, tenderness, and hope.
One of my favorite English speaking Christian
mystics lived during the Black Plague which killed over 50 million people, over
60% of Europe. Julian of Norwich’s most famous line is often quoted by
Christian pastors and leaders today: “…all will be well, and every kind of
thing will be well.” During the 14th
century, Julian of Norwich reached deep within her faith to find and experience
that God is like our clothing… as God “wraps and enfolds us for love,
embraces us and shelters us, surrounds us for love.”
During this crisis may you reach out more to
others and may this crisis compel you to deepen your faith so that you
experience God’s relentless, limitless love. And then therefore, love others in
a more loving, intimate way, than ever before.
Prayer:
God of Relentless Love, meet
me in this moment with my doubt, my struggles, and my uncertainty. Turn this
crisis into an opportunity for you and I to deepen our rapport and trust. Thank
you that you are my Rock and my Hope, now more than ever. Amen.
**I owe a special word of appreciation and thanks to my uncle, Father Michael Kallock, CSP, for sharing a devotion he wrote... he reminded me of the gift of Julian. This blog entry and the next few which are numbered... I was asked to share with one of our local hospitals as their CEO requested local clergy write uplifting messages to their staff. Honor to share in that way!
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