Dear Friends;
Greetings on this 14th day since we decided to cancel worship for the duration of this COVID-19 crisis.
I hope that you and your loved ones are well.
Today my Reflection is on the word ‘Help’ – may you find meaning in my words to lighten your burdens in these difficult days.
Although we are not able to meet in person just now, please feel free to be in touch with me by email, text or phone call. You can reach me at 613-970-7880 or by email rev.phil.picton@gmail.com.
Grace and peace with pastoral concern,
Rev. Phil
P.S. Here is the morning smile
Help!
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in (times of) trouble.”
Psalm 46.1
A few days ago, I quoted from a Daily Reflection offered by the Centre for Contemplation & Action. The writer was Brian McLaren. He reflected on prayers of lament, and opined that the word “Help!” was a good beginning, in bringing our deepest anguish to God in prayer. (As did Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Matthew 26.36-39)
Today, however, I want to reflect on the ways that we can help. Help one anther. Help those in need. Help God. Although I don’t think I’ve ever sung this hymn, (words by Stephen C. Warner, based on the words of Saint Teresa of Avila, music by Rick Gunn) More Voices #171 “Christ Has No Body Now but Yours”
Refrain:
Christ has no body but yours, no hands but yours. Here on this earth, yours is the work, to serve with the joy of compassion.
- No hands but yours to heal the wounded world, no hands but yours to soothe all its suffering; no touch but yours to bind the broken hope of the people of God.
Refrain:
- No eyes but yours to see as Christ would see, to find the lost, to gaze with compassion; no eyes but yours to glimpse the holy joy of the city of God.
Refrain:
- No feet but yours to journey with the poor, to walk this world with mercy and justice. Yours are the steps to build a lasting peace for the children of God.
Refrain:
- Through ev’ry gift, give back to those in need: as Christ has blessed, so now be his blessing, with ev’ry gift a benediction be to the people of God.
I’d have trouble with this hymn being taken literally – but the point it makes is an important one. Each one of us is needed for Jesus’ mission and ministry in the world. Each one of us has unique opportunities with our own family, friends, our own community – to reach out and “bear one another’s burdens”. (Galatians 6.2)
To address our present circumstances, perhaps someone should write a new verse using “voice” . . .as in “no voice but yours to speak as Christ would speak. . .” Although we can use our hands to type and to punch phone numbers into our cellphones, we can not literally reach out to touch one another as we observe social distancing.
A couple of days ago I had a lovely chat on the phone with one of the beloved matriarchs of the Picton United Church congregation. We spoke about these unprecedented circumstances in which we find ourselves. We talked about ways that we might be of service to one another and to the world. This dear soul reminded me of her experience 75 and more years ago. As a young teen she worked with others to knit socks and mittens for the soldiers serving in World War II. This was a practical way that, as a young person, she was able to make a difference.
We know that each one of us and all of us are called upon to do several things each day that can slow the spread of COVID-19. (Stay at home except when we have to go out for the necessities of life. When we do go out maintain social distance – at least six feet (2 metres) away from each other. And, of course, wash our hands regularly with soap and water.
But staying at home can be pretty tedious. Even getting outside for a walk – staying away from others not in your household – although helpful is limited in the time it takes up. How many games of Scrabble can one play on one’s cellphone? Reading novels and watching Netflix also have their limits. Many of us want to do something useful to make things better!
We can make a difference for good even in these trying times. We can call a neighbour or a friend to check-in. We can send a text message of encouragement to someone who comes to mind. We can type an email to extend loving support to family and friends from whom we are isolated. We can even take time to email the Prime Minister or the Premier or the Mayor – to offer support or to make suggestions about improvements in policy that might demonstrate compassionate care for others.
Each of us has unique opportunities to do these things. No one has exactly the same context as we have. So we can each help!
I leave you with the words of Voices United #209, Verse 2 – words we often sing at the end of worship:
“We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see. We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Refrain: “Go make a diff’rence, We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world. Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.”
(Words and Music: Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek, 1997)
All illustrations, Photos, links used on this website are property of their respective owners
