Love in the Time of Corona

Sermon

The Peace of Christ be with you all. There are six of us here in the sanctuary at Westminster, bringing you the live-stream service, but we share peace through the gift of the Internet. On this somber day in Oregon, it may seem odd for me to begin the sermon with humor. But when I read the beatitudes, I think of a scene from one of my favorite movies: Monty Python’s The Life of Brian.  

Jesus is delivering the Sermon on the Mount, and crowds of people are straining to hear his unamplified voice. At the far edges of the crowd, someone asks: 

“What did he say?”  

“I think he said, ‘Blessed are the cheesemakers.’” 

“What’s so special about the cheesemakers?” 

“Well, obviously, it’s not to be taken literally; it’s meant to be any manufacturer of dairy products.” 

You are hearing the sermon today from an even farther distance than we could have guessed! I will try to be clear, whether we are near or far. I pray that today we can all hear—in the Beatitudes—what the Spirit may be saying to us today.  

Beatitude means “blessing.”  

Over the past years, I’ve noticed that people frequently talk about “blessing” and how blessed they feel. Sometimes what they mean is really that they feel lucky. Things are going well. They are experiencing good fortune. But the message of Jesus, the meaning of blessing, is far different.  

Jesus’ message in the Beatitudes speaks to people in their vulnerability.  

Blessing is not good luck. Blessing is trusting in steadfast love, even when you are so poor in spirit that you wish you didn’t have to get out of bed in the morning. Blessing is experiencing trust in God when you wake up and see the pillow of your beloved empty, and you feel empty. Blessing is the peace that comes when you realize you can’t control some things, but that you will have the tenacity and vision to weather trials. Blessing is caring for the other so much that you think of their well-being as much as your own.  

These blessings were given to the followers of Jesus in the world of the first century Roman Empire. In that world, there was a massive inequality of wealth and power among people. And in crisis, it’s always the people at the bottom who are most harmed. In the Beatitudes, Jesus was teaching followers how to live faithfully in a broken and sometimes scary world.  

He said, essentially: You are blessed in surprising ways! Be very glad. 

Today, perhaps the best way to approach this passage is to pray it. Receive it as a blessing. Let it sink in. Especially in this time of uncertainty, fear, and losses, know that blessing is God’s nature. YOU are blessed. Each of us is blessed. God loves us—not by ridding us of all uncertainty and pain, but by being with us in the pain.  

So, now that we are distancing ourselves socially (out of compassion and prevention), how can we show love to one another? This calls for compassion and our best creativity. I have a few suggestions.  

First, think of the people that you normally interact with and ask yourself, do they have someone who would notice if they were missing? Can you contact your neighbors, friends, and acquaintances via phone, e-mail or text? 

Secondly, don’t hoard. It is sensible to stock up on medicines, non-perishables, and things you need. But don’t let fear drive you to take more than you need for a few weeks. Consider if there are things you can offer to share with others. 

Third, if you know healthcare workers, they are likely to be very stressed right now. Let’s consider if there is a way that we can help. I invite your ideas on this. 

Finally, keep a kind and forbearing attitude. We are not at our best under stress, yet kindness and laughter are good for our health. Keep doing the things that keep your own spirits lifted, and offer your smile and kindness to others. Today is a beautiful day for a walk. Now is a good time for singing at home, making music, listening to music, reading, making art, talking on the phone.  

A Friend from Tennessee posted this prayer on Facebook:  

Prayer for a Pandemic 

May we who are merely inconvenienced 
Remember those whose lives are at stake. 
May we who have no risk factors 
Remember those most vulnerable. 
May we who have the luxury of working from home 
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. 
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when schools close 
Remember those who have no options. 
May we who have to cancel our trips 
Remember those that have no safe place to go. 
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market 
Remember those who have no margin at all.  
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home 
Remember those who have no home. 
As fear grips our country 
Let us choose love. 
During this time when we cannot physically 
Wrap our arms around each other, 
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.—Anonymous 

Peace, my friends. Wash your hands. Remember that God blesses you. 

May the blessing of God rest upon you. May God’s peace abide with you. May God’s Spirit illuminate your hearts, now and forever more.