Bruce Epperly

As I see the photos of persons who have died from COVID-19, the richness of their lives, their meaning to loved ones, I weep at the loss to their families, friends, and communities.

There is nothing wrong with being afraid. The challenge is not being afraid of being afraid.

In speaking of South African women protesting the injustice of apartheid, poet June Jordan asserted that we are the ones we have been waiting for. Take time to look at your community and ask God for guidance for your justice-seeking.

When we pray for the children, even those we will never meet, we discover that every child is God’s beloved child.

May my day be filled with gratitude for God’s many blessings. Let awareness of my blessings and the goodness of the earth inspire me to bless others.

Can you have joy in a difficult time? Can you experience wonder and beauty, and rejoice in a time of pandemic? For St. Paul, joy is trusting that in all things God is your companion.