By the time we got to today, Sunday, our bishop had asked churches to suspend services. That was a heartache for our dear priest, who knows we need each other more than ever when we're scared. She went to the church and opened it for anyone who wanted to go there to pray, as long as they used hand sanitizer and maintained the recommended 6-foot personal space. She sent us all an e-mail with details about the live-streamed service at the National Cathedral in D.C. Thus began the first Sabbath in the age of COVID-19.
We settled in to join the nation in worshiping remotely. The Dean of the Cathedral presided at the Eucharist, making sure we understood that we could participate in spirit in this radically new reality. The Presiding Bishop, The Rev. Michael Curry, preached the sermon from a remote location. The man must have a totally one-track mind. Do you remember his homily from the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry? He talked to them about love. He did it again today. What a wonderful topic to speak about at every opportunity. He reminded us we're loved by God and that, even when our lives are upended, especially when our lives are upended, we can show love to each other. He even had the courage to end his remarks by singing Jesus Loves Me, This I Know. One way we're showing love right now is to stay home, and offer each other possible protection from exposure to the corona virus.
My phone pinged in the middle of the YouTube broadcast. One of my fellow parishioners had suggested to Mother Pam that she send out the Peace by instant message: The Peace of the Lord be always with you! In no time, my phone was alive with answers from my church family: And also with you! What a brilliant way to connect us to one another. We're still here, we're still community, we're still loving each other.
After the service, I called a dear friend whose husband has been through a series of medical crises beginning before Thanksgiving. It was so good to reconnect, and to hear the story directly from her rather than second-hand. I was surprised to learn he's actually doing better, gaining some weight, using a walker instead of a wheelchair. Thanks be to God, for their good news and for old friendships.
In the afternoon, I composed a note to my 95-year-old Godmother. Her husband, my Godfather, died last week. It wouldn't be safe, or probably even allowed, for us to visit right now. But I could let her know I'm thinking about her and about good times we all shared, and tell her I love her. She taught me to cook. What a delightful legacy to have from her.
All in all, a pretty good Sabbath. If we hadn't been cocooned at home, worshiping via YouTube, we never would have heard the stunningly gorgeous voice of the soprano who sang during the service. There are blessings to be found, even in harsh, scary times. As Bishop Curry said, may the Lord hold each of you in His Almighty hands.
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