The Advent season is supposed to be one of great joy as we anticipate celebrating the birth of a child who grew up to bring us a new vision of God. This year it is also a season that is bringing great sadness as we consider the many who are becoming ill and dying from the virus that is tearing our families and communities apart.
I only met Jorge once, last year at a birthday party. He and his twin brother Oscar were both born with Down syndrome. Even in their mid-thirties, some in their extended family could not tell them apart. That one evening was an example of the love and care family members had for these two young men.
Jorge’s family became ill with Covid after his mother contracted it at her work place, and although the rest of the family became better, he did not. Jorge died yesterday evening. As we look at the numbers of infections, hospitalization, and deaths, it’s important to remember that each number represents a person and a family and friends in grief.
Prayer for the Day
Now in sadness and grief, O God, we turn to you for solace,
For our hearts are breaking as we read of the numbers dying;
Trapped between despair and hope, with the Psalmist we cry
“Show your mercy to us, O Lord; do not forsake us.”
Help us to feel your lovingkindness and to share it with others
As did the Great Healer showed mercy to those he met.
In the name of the One who suffers with us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them.
-Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer (1828-1910)
grief is a house
where the chairs
have forgotten how to hold us
the mirrors how to reflect us
the walls how to contain us
-Jandy Nelson, American writer
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want;
God makes me to lie down in green pastures and leads me beside the still waters.
The Lord restores my soul and leads me in the paths of righteousness.
Though I walk through the valley of death, I shall not fear, for you are with me.
Psalm 23: 1-4