Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Physical, Not Social Distance

IX.
PHYSICAL, NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING
If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. (I Corinthians 12:26)

There has recently been a discussion on Facebook about the appropriateness of using the counsel “social distancing” in Coronavirus messaging. Some suggest “physical distancing” would be a better term since it involves our physical rather than emotional or relational proximity. You can be next to someone and be emotionally absent. You can also feel great intimacy to a person living in Maryland, Missouri, Scotland, or China. As all of us know, there is no distance in love or prayer.

I am going to use the term “physical distancing” from now on to indicate that we can be joined despite our distance for each other. In the body of Christ, we are all connected. Our joys and sorrows are one. Our hearts are joined regardless of space or time.

So, let me advise “physical distancing” and “social connecting.” Today, you can bridge the distance by calling a friend from church, sending an email to a relative or someone from your high school class (I sent a note to a member of my high school class of 1970), say “thank you” to someone who has changed your life, and reach out to a vulnerable person in your circle of friends.

And, of course, keep praying. Prayer joins us across space and time and enables us to be one in the spirit despite physical distancing.

Loving God, keep us in relationship with you and one another. Remind us to speak words of love, care, and gratitude today, and recognize that we are all joined together by your Amazing Grace. Amen.

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Bruce Epperly is a Cape Cod pastor and author over 50 books and author of the soon to be released “Faith in a Time of Pandemic” as well as “Finding God in Suffering: A Journey with Job,” “Become Fire: Guideposts for Interspiritual Christians,” and “Piglet’s Process: Process Theology for All God’s Children.”