Monday, May 4

If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. Luke 6:33

Governor Phil Murphy is pleading with the people in NJ asking them not to be “knuckleheads.” PA. Governor Tom Wolf is using  a color coded map of phases (red, yellow, green) to identify a gradual reopening and lessening of restrictions for residents. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said “just wear the damn mask.”

 You already know that there are protests going on where people are not social distancing or wearing masks as requested. The more I have been observing how people are cooperating or not, the more it occurred to me that for at least the last couple of generations Americans have not really had to sacrifice for the common good. Sure, we make sacrifices for our loved ones, but generally not for the stranger.  Perhaps we’ve forgotten how…

How appropriate it seemed when I read the following post:

“Imagine you were born in 1900. On your 14th birthday, World War I starts, and ends when you are 18. Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy. When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet. And don’t try to catch your breath. On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully pulled into WWII until you are 45. At 50, the Korean War starts. At 55 the Vietnam War begins. When you are 62 the Cuban Missile Crisis threatens to end life on our planet as we know it. When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends.

Try to remember everything that those born in 1900 endured and accomplished, and have faith that we will endure as well. Let’s be smart, and help each other out – we will get through all of this.”

~Source unknown

Let us pray:

Gracious God, you have taught us through Jesus Christ your dear Son that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children. We ask that you would look with compassion on our nation and world as this pandemic continues. Be with those who are on the front lines working to heal and protect us. Give to us all a renewed sense of patience as this drags on. We ask that you grant wisdom and integrity to world leaders as they share a common bond of responsibility for all people and work to alleviate this virus outbreak. We pray for this and whatever else you see that we need in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

The Rev. Ellen Meissgeier