Monday, September 21, 2020
Our New Jersey numbers on Covid-19 illness seem to be holding their own, as the NJ Spotlight writes; however, the Sunday Review section of the New York Times has as its lead a major article on the “second wave,” causing us to think about these cooler nights and the promise of fall after such a blistering summer.
As I move about during the day I notice who is and who is not wearing a mask. There are times I shudder when I see large groups of teenagers walking about as if nothing had ever changed for them but am pleased when I see adults on their walks with at least a mask around their necks to be put up when meeting someone they may not know.
Certain areas here in the United States and in other countries have halted the spread. We in New Jersey had 493 new infections yesterday but the southwest is still high. Finland with two-thirds of our population had only 93 – and that was a high day. Iceland had none. The Baltic States and parts of Germany look good – people wear masks in urban areas because their national leadership has been consistent in health advisals, creating trust, unlike our own.
Prayer for the Day
We see the pumpkins and squashes in the markets, O Lord,
And we know they are signs of the fall to come.
As the cool weather sets in, make us mindful of not just your grace
But of our obligations to others as we walk about.
Bring us into a renewed realization that we are one world,
One people and one community so we care for each other.
In the name of him who cares for us all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
One can acquire everything in solitude except character.
Stendhal, French novelist (1783–1842)
To build community requires vigilant awareness of the work we must continually do to undermine all the socialization that leads us to behave in ways that perpetuate domination.
bell hooks, American poet
Let God rise up, and the enemies be scattered; let those who hate God flee.
As smoke is driven away, drive them away;
As wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish before God.
But let the righteous be joyful; let them exult and be jubilant with joy.
Psalm 68:1–3