WATCHWORD:
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:24-29
Meditation:
Therefore, everyone who hears these words…
The other night I spoke with my daughter, who is an elementary school administrator, and she was lamenting the fact that she had just lost two of her teachers for two weeks of quarantine. She described a blasé approach, not only from those two, but others, to following the guidelines of wearing a mask and maintaining distance. She had cautioned the teachers in the past when they were chatting, without masks, despite the fact that they both had been in their classrooms with children. It seems that some people have a difficult time understanding the message and following it.
In just a few days I will journey to the VA in Fort Wayne and receive the first of two Covid vaccine injections. I’m looking forward to this because I know that the vaccine will give me, and others, a degree of protection and that will have a positive impact on my confidence, and sense of security. That is just my one little step in getting control of this pandemic, but it’s one step in the right direction.
For months, we have been hearing about the development of the vaccine. And then, more recently, we have disturbing reports that significant numbers of people say that they will not get the vaccine when it’s offered. I’m trying to process that kind of thinking, but it’s hard to understand. Having vaccines, there in a vial, does nothing to eradicate this pandemic until it is injected. One person at a time will eventually make us all safe.
We know the story because we are all actors in this drama. We are tired of all this, fatigue has set in and we want our life back the way it used to be. But simply ignoring the ground-rules will not get us there, regardless how tired we are of all this.
I believe that what we are going through has passed through the hands of our Lord. In the closing part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the example of a house built on rock, that was secure and stood regardless of the storm that raged. He equated that to those who hear the Word of God and puts it into practice.
Well, here we are, surrounded by a life-threatening virus — a raging storm. We have lost nearly a half million of our family and friends, so we know it is lethal. We have the prevention, the vaccine, our personal “rock” to support our health, available. Before us are the simple things we can do, to keep us all safe. Yet, there are those who do not, will not, put them into practice.
Early in the Sermon on the Mount, we read the “beatitudes” each starting with the phrase “blessed are”. The meaning is to affirm or to point out a state of blessedness that already exists. So, I say, in line with the beatitudes, blessed are you who follow the Covid guidelines and get the vaccine when it is available, for yours is the kingdom of heaven. Bless you all. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
Sign on a door: “Due to social distancing guidelines, I will no longer be shaking hands or hugging. In lieu of these, you may kneel or bow or curtsy from a safe distance. Thank you.”
Overheard from a young mother: Being quarantined with a talkative child is like having an insane parrot super-glued to your shoulder.
A quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” (Does not apply to haircuts.)
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank you for fresh grace and days of promise. Lead us in Your way and fill our hearts with Your love to enjoy. Help us to see others as you see them. We ask You Heavenly Father, that you will guide us in every decision, response, effort and conversation we have so that they reflect your glory, Lord. We offer these prayers in Jesus name. Amen.
