It has been a month since we have practiced social distancing and started to worship on line. Church life has never been the same. But this weekend is the first time in our history that everyone has to stay home for Easter. We can’t meditate and take communion together on Good Friday. We hold off baptisms and transfers, and can’t have Easter worship and celebrations together. This is more than upsetting our routines and traditions. It is disruptive to our community life. For many people, not being able to go to church is a big part of loss in their lives. Many have to adjust to worshipping and fellowshipping virtually. And others, especially mature adults and seniors, still need to learn and cope with this new way of socializing. People ask: when can we go back to normal? When can we go back to church? Yes, we can’t go to meet at the church during this time. But be mindful that we are the church. So let us practice our faith and be the church. Let us live out the resurrection power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us try to care for one another and pray for one another through different technologies. For those who can meet in creative ways through Zoom, let us continue to do so.
I realize that many of us are going through great trials and temptations during this time. As most people are working at home, some parents face the additional burden of homeschooling. Some lost their jobs and face extra financial stress. Some working in the frontlines and essential service face the challenge of health risks. But many of us start to feel the anxieties of the unknown future. In the midst of all this, let us put our hope in God as the anchor for our soul. Let us continue to persevere and grow through this. Let us always draw close to God through His words. Let us continue to be faithful and always uphold one another through prayers.
(Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rev. Dr. Gladys Lee Tsang
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