Thursday, October 1, 2020
Six and a half months ago we were told we live in the midst of a pandemic. In March we knew very little except that hospitals started being overwhelmed and people began dying at a terrible rate. The media presented us with images of bodies being wheeled to funeral homes in body bags. Except that our buildings were intact, it was as if we had been in the midst of a terrible war.
Although the death toll has been substantially reduced and schools in certain parts of the country are reopening, the specter of increasing positivity rates, infections, and illness gives us pause. We here in the East fear a second wave while other parts of the country are still experiencing the first wave. Transparency at this time is critical.
Some companies have not been transparent as their workers became sick and died in the spring, but unions are bringing their plight to public attention. Workers at Unitex, a company with several laundry plants in New Jersey, are calling for transparency regarding Covid-19 infection among its workers, most of whom are Latina. As we fret over our own health, we cannot forget the many workers who have few protections.
Prayer for the Day
Not for ourselves alone do we pray, O God, but for others as well,
The many who work in unseen factories and companies,
The many who live on the edge struggling with few protections,
The many who have lost jobs and rely on food banks and churches.
Not for ourselves alone for you call us to serve in the world
And judge when a Nation forgets the least of those living here.
In the name of the One who served all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other?
George Eliot, British writer (1819–1880)
We cannot help conforming ourselves to what we love.
Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva (1567–1623)
Listen to me, my people,
and give heed to me, my nation;
for a teaching will go out from me,
and my justice for a light to the peoples.
Isaiah 51:4