We could feel it was coming. We knew it was coming. The CDC is now recommending masking up in uncertain situations. Vaccinated, I mask up when I am in a group of people that I am not sure are vaccinated. When I get out of the car in Newark, even before I get out of the car, I don my mask.
It’s not just for fear of the virus but the recognition that even vaccinated, I might be able to unwittingly spread a virus that does not affect me to others who are unvaccinated. I honestly don’t understand why people get so worked up over a mask. Have we lost all sense of common courtesy?
Caring for others is at the heart of being a Christian, at least I always thought it was. But then there’s that – not quite sure what adjective to use – preacher Greg Locke who said he would throw out anyone in his church who wore a mask. Others react when they are told to wear one. What on earth has happened to our sense of community, our obligation to care for each other?
Prayer for the Day
Patient God, we confess our love is not what we would hope,
Focused on our own needs, the needs of others dim in our eyes;
Transform our lives so we hear the world around us,
And help us respond to those who need us.
Open our hearts to your love and our ears to your word
In the name of him who came to show us your way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Little people are indifferent. Superior people are caring.
Maxime Lagace, Canadian hockey player
There is no greater power for change than a community discovering that it cares about.
Margaret Wheatley, American writer
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
I was stupid and ignorant; I was like a brute beast toward you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me with honor.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth I desire other than you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion
Forever.
Psalm 73: 21-26