The White House announced that it would end the National Heath Emergency known as Covid on May 11, allowing for an orderly wind-down of programs and special funding. It also permits the NHE, as it’s known to last through the winter months, always a time of illness and health concerns. However, through the rest of this winter, I’m still masking.
Parts of the NHE have already ended, however, such as the moratorium on evictions. This is a real cause of concern as large private equity firms have bought up and still continue to buy apartment complexes. Leaving no room for grace, they have hiked rents forcing many low-income people out.
The rise in interest rates force many into constant debt as they struggle to pay for their basic needs. And the national circus called Congress isn’t much of a help as many of its members push so-called “investigations” rather than tackling the issues that face our Nation and society such as poverty and inequity. As Christians we must address these issues in order to be a just society.
Prayer for the Day
Holy God, we call to you as our strength and shield,
You call us and embrace us against our fears;
Forgive us our timidity in proclaiming your word
Forgive us our reluctance to accept change and
Help us to have courage as others who proclaimed your name
Teaching us how to live so we may complete your work
In the name of the One who is our model,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If the gospel we preach does not address the evil that oppresses people, then it is not good news for everyone.
- Dennis Edwards, New Testament professor, from Might from the Margins
Powerlessness and silence go together. We ... should use our privileged positions not as a shelter from the world's reality, but as a platform from which to speak. A voice is a gift. It should be cherished and used. - Margaret Atwood, Canadian writer
Depart from evil and do good; so you shall abide forever.
For the Lord loves justice; God will not forsake the faithful.
Psalm 37:27-28