Tuesday, November 17, 2020
As the number of people infected with the Covid virus continues to increase, in the continued absence of national leadership, state governors are taking different steps to try to contain the virus. Governors, Republican and Democrat, are issuing mask orders, partial lockdowns, stay at home orders, and nonessential travel orders while the White House touted the possibility of a vaccine cure-all.
However, both Pfizer and Moderna, developers of a possible reliable vaccine have the need to clear several hurdles before a vaccine can be made available to the public. We are looking at mid-2021. In the meantime, we must take the virus seriously.
The virus has affected not just the U.S. economy but the world’s as well. In the early days of the pandemic, G-7 governments and their central banks did move quickly to support workers and businesses, especially in Europe. One thing we Americans must take home from this global pandemic is that we must all work together, not in isolation from each other. We stopped being “Fortress America” well over 100 years ago.
Prayer for the Day
Transfiguring God, let your Spirit come and be among us
Empowering us to be truly your people in this world;
Enabling God, let us not shirk from what is required
But that in your Spirit we find your grace making us humble.
Inflame us with a passion for your righteousness and mercy
So we open our hearts to the world around.
In the name of him who is the instrument of your grace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
To speak a true word is to transform the world.
Paolo Freire, Brazilian educator (1921–1997)
It is an error to isolate oneself . . . . If God does not call one to solitude, one must live with God in the multitude, make [God] known there and make [God] loved.
Raisa Maritain, Russian poet (1883–1960)
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn us back to dust and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are like yesterday when it is past,
or like a watch in the night.
Psalm 90:1–4