Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Bounty amid Threat

LVI
BOUNTY AMID THREAT
(5/11)
You prepare a table before me in the midst of my enemies…(Psalm 23:5)

Long before the Coronavirus, people sought to live abundant lives despite adversity and threat. In the Middle East, meals with guests were not perfunctory, they were an opportunity to show your hospitality. A host would kill the fatted calf, bring out the best fruit and bread, play music, and entertain for hours. The meal described in Psalm 23 describes two contrasting experiences: an abundant feast and surrounding enemies. Again, in Middle Eastern hospitality, your host was responsible for your wellbeing when you were in their territory. If anything went wrong – if you were harmed or insulted – it would be a social and relational catastrophe.

During the pandemic, we have especially enjoyed our Saturday and Sunday evening dinners with Matt and Ingrid and the boys. We cook a special meal, enjoy adult beverages, linger over the meal, and then the boys spend the night. The Coronavirus is all around but for one night we celebrate life in its fullness. We aren’t denying the Coronavirus, and our changed lifestyles, but our celebrations affirm that the Coronavirus isn’t the only reality. It is important but not all-important. It is consuming but not all-consuming. Our family dinners place the Coronavirus in perspective.

When I begin the day with the affirmation, “this is the day that God has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” I affirm the goodness of life, despite the Coronavirus. This affirmation inspires me to do something beautiful for God both for my own enjoyment and the wellbeing of others. I have learned to live carefully and also joyfully during this time of pandemic.

On this glorious day, rejoice. Do something beautiful and caring. Notice beauty and reach out in relationships. Celebrate life and then reach out to bring beauty into others’ lives.
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Loving God, I thank you for this glorious day. I thank you for the goodness of life. Let me live joyfully, faithfully, and lovingly. 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 and GOD ON LINE: A MYSTIC’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET.