On a street that I thought would serve as a short cut, I saw a crudely written sign in front of a house about the Covid-19 vaccines: “Unvaccinated and healthy.” A sign of the many conspiracy theories that have emerged about the vaccines? Why do otherwise intelligent people believe such stories?
It’s easy to write off believers of conspiracy theories as half-educated yahoos, but that’s not always the case. Some people believe them because of just a nugget or two that suggests they might be true, such as pharmaceutical companies holding back data or information. Others because they give a coherent meaning to the world.
As we head into fall and winter, inside times, we need to increase our guard, even among the vaccinated. This does not mean that we do not come together in community tough we do need to recognize that for some. community may be virtual, talking on the phone, or just getting a card. In these uncertain times, it is important to be the face of God’s love to others.
Prayer for the Day
The world is too much with us, rocking us like swelling waves,
And we come to You; Compassionate Healer, for respite;
Worried about those things that deeply concern us,
We often forget to search for your healing grace.
Grant us, O Merciful One, ways to share your love,
And to listen with our hearts not just our heads.,
We ask this in the name of him who always listens,
Even Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
Plato, Greek philosopher (429-347 BCE)
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.
Marie Curie, scientist (1867-1934)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God whose word I praise,
In God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?
Psalm 56: 3-4