Day 5: Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith
by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor
THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2020
“The Theology of Social Distancing and Love of Neighbor”

“…it is our care and concern for others that motivates our adoption of social distancing measures. It is in fact an act of Christian love to participate fully in the practice of social distancing in the context of a global pandemic. While it feels counterintuitive to us, social distancing is the best way for us to respond to Christ’s call to protect ‘the least of these’ in the human family." - Dr. Shane Berg, Executive Vice President, Princeton Theological Seminary   

Dr. Berg’s observation turns the whole concept of social distancing on its head: what the world sees as an impediment to social interaction he sees as an act of Christian concern for others in order to try to protect the weak and vulnerable, those more susceptible to disease.

WARM – some have asked why we cancelled WARM, our week to house and feed 20-25 homeless in our facility. I would suggest that, while we didn’t employ the phrase ‘the theology of social distancing,’ it was this very Christ-generated concern for the health of the homeless that determined the decision, better that they be outside in what is now moderate climate than confined to the same place where germs can easily travel. It was also out of a concern for those volunteers from PaxPres, some of whom by virtue of age and health are more susceptible.

Jesus himself, who would be expected to have spent all his waking hours with the poor, the sick and the outcast, intentionally distanced himself from those he came to save, going it alone through long nights of prayer. Clamoring needy crowds notwithstanding, He invited his disciples to do the same: “’Come with me by yourselves and get some rest.’” Mark 6:31. Jesus knew what we sometimes forget: sometimes we serve others best by distancing ourselves from them for awhile in order to take care of ourselves, and in today’s crisis, protect each other from disease.    

Reflective question: Where in your relationships do you need to put into practice a Christ-generated theology of social distancing out of concern for and commitment to others?

Reflective Scripture: Mark 6:31: “’Come with me by yourselves and get some rest.’”

Reflective hymn: “Blest Be the Tie that Binds”

When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain;

but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.

Reflective Prayer: Write your own.

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