Father James, our priest at St. John’s Episcopal, was delighted that the diocese announced we could do socially distanced, in-person services this month, as long as our infection rate was below 5% in the county. Hurrah!
Today’s lectionary highlighted Exodus 20 and the ten commandments and Father’s message compared the timing of the Israelites released from Egypt toward the Promised Land to our “release” from the confines of Covid to gathering together once more. In essence, from death to a type of resurrection, but with some boundaries. The ten commandments were boundaries and best practices for the Israelites. We, too, must remain conscientious about our new freedoms. It’s not over yet.
But for me, I decided to have some fun with this idea and take it one step further.
The Post Covid Ten Commandments.
- God is sovereign and whether that is hard to accept in the midst of much suffering, it is still true. If we can acknowledge that God is still God, there will always be hope.
- We should take care not to shift our focus away from God and onto less reliable idols. Yes, the vaccine is a good thing, but it still has limitations. Be wise and continue to mask up, wash our hands, and social distance–for now.
- We cannot place blame on God for evil in the world or use God as a scapegoat. No name calling.
- Remember, now that we have more freedom, we should not go hog wild. We still need days of rest. Try for one out of seven, at least.
- Take care of our parents and grandparents and anyone else who is elderly. Their wisdom should be protected as well as their bodies.
- Don’t kill hopefulness; people need to hold onto something positive right now.
- Don’t betray our friends by exposing them unnecessarily. Be faithful.
- Don’t cheat the line if we don’t need to. Be patient while waiting for our turns to get the vaccine.
- Don’t lie. Speak our truth in love. Not everyone will agree with us, but be authentic.
- Don’t begrudge others’ health. Respect our neighbors. Rejoice with those who are rejoicing. Weep with those who weep.
Meditations from Zion 