'Our Lord tells us, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).” The life we “laying down” now is our normal life, because these are extraordinary times.'
The above was from the letter from +TIKHON, Metropolitan of All America and Canada of the Orthodox Church in America.
Today was a day of sadness for me. While Great Lent is a time of reflection and repentance, and I can't help but think this may be a little bit of God's way of slowing us down and forcing us to calm our thoughts and movement and consider Him. I know that it is through Him that we are saved and that I should not be afraid, but there were still a lot of tears. It was difficult to hide my sadness when M & L were around me so much. Big things and little things just brought tears to my eyes. Thinking of the weight of it all while I was eating dinner after a last minute run to grab a few more necessities (ketchup). L came over to me to just give me a hug. He did this three separate times, even though i was not teary anymore, which made me even more teary. Praying for the things we are thankful, which we do every night. M scooted over next to me and laid his head on my shoulder. More tears.
Tears because I can't see my family. Tears because there are so many people who are sick and afraid. That we can't go to church and pray and embrace our family in Christ. That there are so many people who are alone and need help. For those who have lost their source of income without understanding of how they will be assisted (and that $1200 will not be nearly enough for weeks without work). For the teachers who are missing their students and are preparing e-learning for the remainder of the school year in case that is what it comes to. For the health care professionals who are working so diligently to keep everyone healthy and having to make choices on care. For my boys, who don't fully understand what is going on - only that they can't see their friends and want to go out to play. For the high school seniors who are missing the culmination of their years of hard work and the rites of passage that take place (prom, final sporting events, graduation and grad parties).
But, I am hopeful. I see the wonderful things that humanity is doing to help their neighbor. People donating to food shelves. Children sending cards to shut-ins. Donating blood. Getting groceries for their elderly parents or neighbors. Offers of toilet paper rolls or baby wipes for friends who are out. Parents bonding together over the interwebs to share ideas to make it through the day and support each other. Donations for live stream events to support non-profits. Retailers offering special times for those at risk to shop. Online companies waiving fees and giving parents ideas for entertaining their children. The list goes on...
Share in the comments some selfless acts that you have witnessed and let's share the good in our world!
This Sunday, in the Orthodox church, we commemorate the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this service, the Cross is brought to the center of the church decorated in flowers for the faithful to venerate. As Christ laid down His life for us, let us also practice social distancing so that we can protect those we love.
"Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy holy resurrection, we glorify!"
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