Thursday September 24, 2020
After the really chilly early mornings earlier this week, these last few days have given us warmth and sun – though, there’s no question, we need rain. The most recent Atlantic storm hit Canada and northern New England but skirted us here further south. As we breathe a sigh of relief, we remember that our major storms seem to come in October.
Cooler weather will also come in October moving many of our activities inside. It is not too early to plan for a probable rise in the Covid-19 infection rate. Concerned what the fall will bring, the tristate region is considering contact tracing.
Contact tracing has been used for decades by state health departments to stop the spread of infectious diseases. It has been used for infectious diseases as varied as syphilis and tuberculosis. The AIDS crisis presented a particular problem because sodomy was still illegal in some states and so many men were still closeted. As a society, we need to work together to reduce Covid’s deadly spread. Contact tracing is one way to stop the virus in its tracks.
Prayer for the Day
We want to say we are concerned, O God, but our words belie our fears
For our memories of the past spring make us afraid;
We don’t want to admit our trepidation as we enter the fall,
But you know, O Lord, we are haunted by images of the dying.
Help us to care for each other in community for the protection of all,
Reflecting your care for all those who serve and care for us.
In the name of the One who reflects your care,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Without a tapestry of caring, civilization would collapse into a chaotic every-man-for-himself battlefield.
Gudjon Bergmann, writer and spiritual director (b. 1972)
All struggle, all resistance is – must be – concrete. And all struggle has a global resonance. If not here, then there. If not now, then soon. Elsewhere as well as here.
Susan Sontag (1933–2004)
In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not ever let me be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.
Psalm 31:1–2