January 26, 2021
I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5
Since March of 2020, loneliness and isolation has been more the norm for a large number of people. We started with orders to stay at home, then came the recommendation for those at high risk to remain at home. Even the places we often went and trusted for safety and security were no longer available for us. If we continued to participate in a worship service it was online, and as grateful as we are to have the opportunity to be connected in that way, we all can admit it is not the same. While I remain hopeful that we will reopen for in-person worship in the near future, I know several will remain at home, still, as they did during our last reopening.
I say this, not to discount the efforts that have been made to keep our church connected, but to help us understand, together, it is hard to feel connected when physically we are so disconnected. Especially, for many, during these cold winter months, the feelings of isolation can be overwhelming. More than ever this is a time to check on one another, to let them know they are being thought about, prayed for, and that they are loved.
Jesus tells his disciples that they need to remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, but so many feel cut off because their main sources of connection have been stopped. However, Jesus also tells the disciples that even though he will not always be with them physically, they will know he is there through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus points them (and us) to the God who abides with us, who is there in our times of isolation, who comforts our ever needs. Yet, we are also called to be God’s hands and feet, to remind one another in our own words, or in the words that God gives, that we love them as God loves them.
Time apart are hard, but God abides with us, and I pray we may abide in him, as we wait and hope to join again in the congregation, together, for worship.
Grace & Peace,
Sam