The number of persons who have received at least the first vaccine dose has now risen to just over 1.4 million with half that number having received the second dose. With the implementation of the Defense Production Act, which dates from 1950 and gives the President broad powers to implement production related to the national defense, Merck will be cooperating with Johnson and Johnson to produce even more vaccines.
On Monday night the New Jersey Council of Churches sponsored a webinar with Dr. Fauci who answered questions on the various vaccines and policies to bring the virus under control. He appeared by Zoom from his home study and, lo, his floor had stacks of books just like mine, making my heart feel good.
What was important was his use of the phrase “under control.” Would the virus be eradicated like polio and smallpox? Probably not, but it can be brought under control, which means we still need to take care of ourselves and others. We will have a new “normal,” one that makes us think like a community rather than just ourselves.
Prayer for the Day
Just as the winter snows are melting, we see signs of new life,
As the small shoots of green push up from the earth;
We listen for the sounds of the coming spring with hope
That this will be a spring of life, not death.
Melt the winter of our hearts, O God, into a spring of nurture
So we respond to the needs of the world around us.
In the name of the One who gives us hope,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Hope is being able to see that there is light in spite of all the darkness.
Desmond Tutu, Anglican Bishop, South Africa
What hope shall we gather? What dreams shall we sow?
Sarojini Naidu, Indian poet and activist (1879-1949)
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you and will rise up to show mercy to you,
For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for the Lord.
Isaiah 30: 18