Friday, November 6, 2020
We have been consumed by many differing concerns during this week. We feel stressed between uncertainty following the election on Tuesday and rising virus infection numbers. Traffic on the highways and our local streets returned to near pre-pandemic levels over the summer. And we have become careless.
Noting that the federal government “has failed to provide all workers the proper standards and protections they deserve,” Governor Murphy has stepped in with an Executive Order mandating serious attention and safeguards for workplaces.
Last summer as I was at Michael’s getting a gift card, one clerk not only had a mask and gloves and a Plexiglas shield but following each customer in her area she wiped down the counter in front of her and the credit card machine. She smiled and said, “This protects you as well as me.” She was right.
Prayer for the Day
In the midst of uncertainty, O God we seek new direction
And pray that you be our constant companion;
In the midst of turmoil, O God, grant us patience and strength
For what seems so confusing and troubling.
Walk with us, O God, during this time and in this place
As we strive to be your disciples in the world.
We ask this in the name of him who calls us into discipleship,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thoughts for the Day
Fidelity to the gospel lies not in repeating its slogans but in plunging the prevailing idolatries into its corrosive acids.
Walter Wink, American theologian (1935–2012)
Mysteriously hidden within each of us are the seeds that can germinate into a new society, a new planet. Like the corn, we have hidden deep within our living process a wisdom that reaches back to all knowledge and beyond all possibilities.
Anne Wilson Schaef, American writer (1934–2020)
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me, hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O savior of those who seek refuge. . . .
Guard me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 17:6–8