There are times when it seems like we take one step forward and two steps back. Just as we learn that over a million New Jersey residents have been vaccinated we also learn of a mysterious syndrome that seems to affect some children who have been infected with the Covid virus.
Called multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), internal organs become seriously inflamed. At this point doctors are trying to figure out what the connection is and why it seems to happen only in children. Of the 23 cases so far,18 have been hospitalized and 6 are in acute care.
Today, the day before Lent begins, is traditionally known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday – the term shrove deriving from Christians who had confessed and were “shriven” from their sins. Let us be grateful for the many ways others – doctors, nurses, the aides and maintenance staff – have sacrificed their comfort for ours.
Prayer for the Day
We come to you, O God, in anticipation,
But we fear what you want us to anticipate;
We come to you, O God, in expectation,
But we fear what it is we ar to expect.
Bestow your grace on us so our fears are removed,
And we are able to serve you as your disciples.
In the name of him who calls us to discipleship,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer, martyr (1906-1945)
To the servant of God, every place is the right place and every time the right time
-Catherine of Siena, mystic (1347-1380)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will have hope in God.”
Jeremiah, from Lamentations 3: 22-24