A thought provoking guest blog from our friend Annie

Can you believe it’s Holy Week?  On Maundy Thursday we will celebrate Christ washing the disciples feet.  Christ’s life was all about actively loving and serving others.

But maybe you don’t feel much like celebrating this week.  Every day we hear of the increasing number of illnesses and death.  There is fear all around us.  Where is God now?

Mr. Rogers advises us to “Look for the helpers”.

In late March, New York’s governor and officials asked retired medical professionals to consider coming back to work due to a projected shortage of doctors and nurses.  In less than a week, 52,000 retired medical professionals responded to that need.

A cardiologist was pulled over by a police man who went back to verify her information and, instead of giving her a speeding ticket, he came back to give her some of his face masks, noting she had what appeared to be 2 used masks in her purse.

San Jose police delivered 48,000 masks to local hospitals in their areas.

Dr. Withers is treating and helping homeless persons and others are helping to distribute bars of soap for better hand washing and prevention to those who need it.

Volunteers are selflessly packing and delivering food to the hungry in New York City, despite the increased risk, taking extra precautions to avoid catching or spreading the virus.

The Humane Society is teaming up with local food banks to get necessary donations for pet foods and pet food delivery to individuals struggling to feed their pets due to loss or cut of income during this time.  The Humane Society relies largely on donations from individuals like you and me, so let’s not forget the donators, too!

A newspaper delivery man asked his senior customers if they needed anything from the store before he came and brought groceries with their newspaper for them.

Bus drivers deliver food to families whose children received free or reduced lunches while at school.

Multiple restaurants are offering free food to health professionals during this difficult time.  Local grocery stores are dedicating hours for senior shoppers.  Neighbors are looking out for and helping neighbors.

So, I ask you again: where is God now?  God is in our midst.  God is with us always.  Even when the days are dark, God is here.  Look for the helpers.  In those people, we see Christ clearly, actively loving and serving others.  They are choosing love over fear.  They are practicing Christ-like-ness.

This week we remember Christ’s darkest moment, and recall how, even hanging on the cross, Jesus offered a prayer for us, “Forgive them.”  Even in our darkest moments, we can choose love.

I John 4:7-8 reads: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Read the account of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet in John 13:14-17 and reflect on how Jesus continually loves and serves everyone.  Remember: God loves you unconditionally!

Annie