Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
This week I have been calling people and checking to make sure that they had signed up to get a COVID vaccine. It makes my day to hear when folks say that they have already been able to get their first shot of the vaccine. I realize how difficult it is and how frustrating it has been to get one. As I write this, I am still waiting to set an appointment up for my mom to reactive her shot.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are a community and that we need to rejoice in each other’s joys and mourn with each other in times of sadness. We need to be there for each other in good times and in bad times. We all have had good and bad things happen to us in life and is important to share both with our church family. It isn’t bragging to share joys and it isn’t gossip (provided it is done correctly) to share concerns. It is important to support each other through all the good and difficult times.
That is a blessing of being a part of a church family. We are there for each other in good times and bad. And there has been a lot of bad news lately, it is so wonderful to hear the good news. We rejoice for those who have had the vaccine and that vaccines are out and getting to those who need them. The good news that the death rates and illness rates are going down. The wonderful news that we can start worship outside in our lovely courtyard again soon (February 14). The hope that there is some light now braking through the darkness. We knew that hope would come, we just didn’t know when, and now that we are starting to experience it, we need to rejoice! I know if is frustrating trying to make an appointment and not understanding the system. However, we shouldn’t let that take away our rejoicing that some of our friends and family have been blessed to receive the vaccine. Our time will come too.
So, when good things are happening in your life share them. Yes, you need to be considerate in your sharing however that is part of being kind and doing no harm. When difficult things happen in your life, share them, it really does help to lighten the burden. When you share the hard stuff your church community can be there in support. I think one of the points that Paul was trying to make is that we need to be in community with each other as a church family and be there for each other during this crazy life and that my friends is a blessing.
We have been doing just that for decades and doing so even more during this unusual time. While we have been isolating physically from each other it is even more important not to close into ourselves. We need to keep in contact through phone calls, emails, cards and what ever ways we can to support each other. So, let us not forget to rejoice for those who rejoice and mourn and comfort those who mourn. Please remember those who have had a loved pass this year. It is difficult enough during the best of times to loss a loved one, and even more difficult now. Let us be the church family that God call us to be and know that light will break through the darkness and that we will be able to be together one of the months.
Stay safe, stay well and be the hope you wish to see in the world. Suzanne
Gracious and loving God help us to support one another in all the ways that we can. Help us to remember to be there for our neighbors and for the stranger. Create in us a heart that sees the many blessings that we are surrounded with each an ever day and help us not to focus on what we don’t have but on what we do have. Let us live more fully into who you call us to be. Amen