"This is an evil in all that happens under the sun, that the same fate comes to everyone. Moreover, the hearts of all are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. But whoever is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion."
-Ecclesiastes 9:3-4 (NRSV)
I woke up this morning and breathed fresh air while watching hope climb into a transcendent sky. Hope which is found in the birds singing of a new day. Hope that promises the long night, the darkness, the isolation will come come to an end. This promise is what God gives us every single day.
Still, "there is no toilet paper," you say; but, we have face clothes and a way to wash them. "There is no work"; but, we have time to reconnect with our family. "There is no money in the bank"; but, we have time to get projects done, read a book, or take a walk. "There is no one to connect with" ; but, we are connecting right now. Where there is life there is hope and this message holds as much truth today as it did when our Jewish ancestors wrote it in the scrolls of Ecclesiastes.
This plague known as Covid-19 is an evil which affects us all. We could all get it and some of us may not make it through this darkness. But; where there is life there is hope. The isolation may seem crippling and may seem like it is endless. We may be so concerned about our fiances, our school, or about connecting with friends that we risk it all and break our self-isolation. But, to enter into this temptation will bring evil and could bring death to the ones you love.
These are troubling times it is true. It is also our time to shine and join with the living society - our time to give each other a chance to live. Let us give our society, our friends, our mothers a chance to see that next sunrise - a chance to live. Blessed ones, remain safe and keep as self-isolated as possible until the darkness ends; so, we may all find the hope of a new day.
- I pray that these words bring hope to your long night and that they are pleasing to you God, our Creator, who reminds us where there is life there is hope. Amen