Monday, February 15, 2021

What do you do when the doctors can’t cure someone you love? We were all raised with Bible stories of prophets and Jesus curing people and although we know that doctors do not have the miracle working powers of an Elisha or Jesus, we still hope for what we would call a miracle in the face of someone’s illness. We saw and continue to see some churches open without any sense of protection from the virus, their pastors declaring that Jesus will protect them, and we shake our heads. In the midst of our overwhelming concern with the virus, other causes of illness and death have taken a back burner in our consciousness. But they are there. Doctors may not be able to cure someone but we can still care for the many others who are suffering, not just from the virus, but from other illnesses, other conditions that lead to death. Sometimes caring is all we can do; sometimes if’s what the sick person needs more than anything.

Prayer for the Day

Despairing when those whom we love are beset with illness and dying, We want to shout aloud to you O God: where are you? Realizing that doctors have given up all hope for a cure, We search for your presence even as we feel abandoned. Bring us into your embrace and let us feel your caring arms, So we can embrace the ones we love even in the face of death. In the name of the One who cares for all, Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Thoughts for the Day

Because there is no glory in illness. There is no meaning to it. There is no honor in dying of.

                     -John Green, American novelist, from The Fault in our Stars

I seem to myself, as in a dream, An accidental guest in this dreadful body.

                     -Anna Akhmatova, Russian poet (1889-1966)

Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

                      Psalm 4: 1

​​​​​​​

The Milky Way above Salgótarján, Hungary, in April.
Credit...Peter Komka/EPA, via Shutterstock