Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Sabbath

XXI.
SABBATH TIME
(4/4)
We are the children of Jesus and his companions. While Jesus on occasion challenged legalistic understandings of the Sabbath, he took Sabbath-keeping seriously. Many of us are experiencing an unexpected Sabbath these days. On Saturdays or Sundays, we can’t go out as usual, we aren’t shopping, or going to games. There aren’t any games to see!

Life has slowed down for me, as my physical world has shrunk to my home, Craigville, Covell’s, and Dowse’s beaches, the Craigville village, off hours visits to church, and to my son and his family’s home. Slowing down gives us an opportunity to pause and notice, to stop, look, and listen to the world around us and the people around us. (Although I am having plenty of time listening and refereeing with two young grandchildren with us 8 hours each day!)

For some of us this will mean extra time for reading or study, an opportunity to journal, or reach out by phone or facetime/email to friends and family. For others, simply rest! For still others, an opportunity to spend more time with children and grandchildren.

Sabbath is an act of trust that life goes on without us being in control. Sabbath reminds us that this wondrous universe goes on apart from our efforts and that although what we do is important, it is not all-important. Sabbath gives us an opportunity to say “thanks” to God, loved ones, helpers, and this good earth.

Enforced or not, let us take our Sabbath seriously, devoting this day to receiving God’s grace and then sharing it with others.
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Let me find peace this day. Let me experience a grace note, a pause that renews and restores, let me trust that my beginning and end is in your care. Amen.
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Bruce Epperly is a Cape Cod pastor, professor, and author of over 50 books including FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC, GOD ONLINE: A MYSTIC’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET, and BECOME FIRE: SPIRITUAL GUIDEPOSTS FOR INTERSPIRITUAL PILGRIMS