It has been just about a year that the world began closing down due to the virus that seemed to be killing everyone in its path. As I read Defoe’s Journal of the Plague Year, I realized the fact that we were able to be more quickly informed of the direction the virus was taking did not reduce the terror we were feeling.
Defoe’s journalist wrote, “We had no such things as printed newspapers in those days to spread rumors and reports of things …But it seems that the Government had a true account of it, and several councils were held about ways to prevent its coming over, but all was kept very private.” Two died, then more and more, much like what occurred in 2020, only, compared to 1664-1665, we had 24-hour daily coverage.
But our news coverage didn’t help our fear. And, much like the residents of old London, we also gave into myth, rumor, and xenophobia. Now, a year later, we are reaping the whirlwind of a year when doctors, public health officials, and scientists were excoriated for their warnings. As we emerge from the plague, we cannot forget the lessons it taught us, to listen to medical expertise and work together as a community.
Prayer for the Day
We confess, O Lord, that we are unsettled,
We chafe at restrictions still placed on our lives;
We resent our deep seated fears and worries,
That drive us inward rather than outward.
Forgive us and be with us as we strive to heal.,
And bring us into true community with each other.
In the name of the Model of our lives,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
Thoughts for the Day
The difference between hope and despair is a different way of telling stories from the same facts.
Alain de Botton, Swiss born British writer
But what we call our despair is often the eagerness of unfed hope.,
George Eliot, pen name of Mary Ann Evans, British novelist (1819-1880)
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9: 1-2