Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer – Romans 12:12
May the fourth the with you…
Just a little fun day for Star Wars fans, who also like good liturgy (myself included). Today, we embark into the world that is a little different. Over the weekend, several of the “safer at home” orders were lifted, and people started getting out a little more. However, time will tell if the new measures put in place will really keep the curve flattened and the coronavirus spread down. I remain skeptical, and in so I remain diligent and vigilant in protecting myself and others when out in public. My hope is that you will remain safe as well.
The world is going to continue to be a different and perhaps frightening place for a while. It is perhaps fitting, then to hear the words of the apostle Paul in light of the world we are living in. That we would remain “joyful in hope” – that is, we would continue to remember the promise that we have of an ever-present Lord, who is keeping us safe, who has already blessed us with so much, and who is continues to remind us of the hope of the life eternal and abundant we have in Him. The joyfulness of hope keeps our spirits alive and well, help us through this continued tumultuous time by reminding us that this season, even when prolonged is temporary. We know there will be live abundant after COVID-19.
Secondly, and perhaps the most important is that we remain “patient in affliction.” No one likes to suffer, no one likes affliction, no one enjoys this continued time of distance from ones they love. I’ve talked some friends, whom I know are extremely introverted. Their lives didn’t change all that much, because they don’t necessarily like being around people often, anyway. However, even they are starting to desire some kind of interaction. Even the introverts are having a hard time, and we must all learn, and continue learning that ever difficult virtue of patience. Just remember, though, when you pray for patience, you don’t get patience you get opportunities to be patient. God is always asking us to grow.
Finally, remember to be “faithful in prayer.” I continue to pray for you, I miss you each and every day, I miss the routine of seeing folks in the office, and especially miss conversations in the halls on Sunday. I think of you often, and always remember you in my prayers. I am delighted to see your posts on social media, and I am thankful for each and every one of you. I hope that you also will remember me and my family in your prayers. In our times of prayer, we become one in the Sprit, one in the love of God, and we are close to one another even in our distance. May we all remain faithful in prayer.
I hope you have a wonderful week, and again, May the fourth be with you… and also with you. Amen.
Grace & Peace,
Sam