-Monday of Holy Week-

If you have gone to the store recently, you know the strangeness of these outings. I have worn a mask for my last few grocery trips. Seeing many covering their faces at the stores, on the sidewalks, in their cars, is disconcerting, to say the least. A necessary sadness. Advised to stay 6 feet apart, and avoid contact, caution and concern dominate our lives. And maybe fear.

God, may hope overcome my fear.

After the peace and comfort of Sunday morning’s worship, a joyful time, even though only 6 of us were gathered, I read updates from the news: the latest counts of those ill, the deaths, doctors and nurses raising alarm.

Have Mercy, O God. Bring peace.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed. Too much to do, too much to read, too many things to manage. Though we are not traveling, going to the office, or preparing for the school day, the hours are a blur. Attention divided, heavy thoughts on our mind, there is always another task. Am I doing all I can to provide for my family, to keep them safe, to prepare for an uncertain future?

O lord, remind me that you are my refuge, my certain help in every trouble.

As Jesus looked upon the Holy City, he cried out “Jerusalem! Jerusalem!… How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” Upon the death of his friend Lazarus, Jesus wept. The very tears of God, shed. His heart broken too, by the pain and suffering of this world.

But with a Big Heart he went forward, that his hopeful kingdom might come to his people.

God, teach us to weep when there is weeping. Teach us to rejoice when when there is rejoicing.

Give us big hearts, O God.