The good news is that Covid cases are down, significantly down, this week. Two weeks ago more than 20,000 infections were reported in New Jersey alone; by Thursday of last week the number had fallen to 10,000; and yesterday the number had fallen again, to about 6,000. Hospitalizations had fallen by almost half of what they were in early January. And the “transmission rate” is the lowest it’s been since March 2020.
Those numbers may be a sign that we are emerging from almost two years of illness and death, but it’s important to remember that it’s our common sense that has brought us to this point. Vaccinations and masks make a real difference.
Although the numbers are also beginning to fall nationwide, they are still high in states where so-called political leaders have not encouraged vaccination or opposed mask mandates in schools, for example. And, then, of course, there are people like Sarah Palin who thinks she has the right to go around sans mask even after testing positive. Disgusting!
Prayer for the Day
Coming before you, O God, we are humbled by your presence,
For although we strive to do what is required of us,
We know we fall short of our intentions and our demands;
Convicted by our acceptance of helplessness,
We know we fall short of the model of living you offer us.
We pray for renewed determination of spirit
In the name of him who is your model of servanthood,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
Always be a little kinder than necessary.
- J.M. Barrie, British writer (1860-1937)
In Ojibwe and Cree culture, leadership didn't mean power; it meant caring.
- Tanya Talaga, Canadian Ojibwe writer
For wisdom is a kindly spirit, but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words;
Because God is witness of their inmost feelings, a true observer of their hearts,
And hearer of their tongues.
Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world,
And that which holds all things together knows what is said,
Therefore those who utter unrighteous things will not escape notice,
And justice, when it punishes, will not pass them by.
Wisdom of Solomon 1: 6-8