By the Way: Compassion is the centre
By Rev. Jeff Decelle on April 9, 2021.
It’s been over a year since my congregation has gathered for an in-person worship service. We have adapted well enough to worship via videoconference. A few were proficient with the software before COVID and they had a small learning curve. But most had no experience at all. Some join on tablets that are hand-me-downs from their children or grandchildren, and are still worried that they are going to press a button that will break something unintentionally. Some don’t have internet access at all but faithfully listen in each week from their landline phones. A few have been able to participate more often than would be possible if they had to physically leave their homes, especially through the winter. My first words of greeting have become “You’re muted” – which I say so frequently it feels that I will hear in liturgical response: “and also with you.” We have adapted well enough, but I miss hearing voices joined with mine in song and prayer, and the sounds of conversation and activity that fill the space. The night before his death Jesus give his disciples a “new” commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” In decisions about whether to gather or not, we have tried to keep this command at the centre: How do we best love one another in a time of pandemic? What best shows love for our neighbours? Churches and other faith groups have been asking similar questions and the vast majority have gone above and beyond the health guidelines. We don’t want to bury our members because of COVID, or have an outbreak traced to one of our gatherings. After a year, we are all weary and exhausted. We are low on patience. And it’s not over yet. But keeping compassion for others at the centre of our choices is still the way to see this through. Rev. Jeff Decelle is pastor at Unity Lutheran Church 13-12
