Easter IV
The Gospel text (from John) is one well known to many -- one of the places where Jesus refers to himself as a shepherd - or, here, additionally, as the sheep-gate through which sheep enter and leave the fold. There are many hymns associated with these images, not least of which those that are transliterations of Psalm 23. Here is a favorite: 'The King of Love my shepherd is.' Not surprisingly, it is often sung at funerals; certainly the psalm is often used to give comfort in the presence of death and suffering. Perhaps it is a time to pause -- amidst our cabin fever and worry about the future -- and give thought to those who have died in and during this pandemic, often alone. Yet, never fully alone.
Becky tells me that her mother Catharine has died -- near Buffalo, where she lived, and where she and David have been spending time. We will remember her, and others who have died, tomorrow morning.
The lesson from Acts tomorrow gives a glimpse of what life among the early Christian communities might have been like -- in real and in idealized form! Famously this: "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need." This is a vision that endures beyond death, and the claims of death-dealing on our living and constructing a life here together. Perhaps it also gives a vision of what we might advocate for in a re-ordered world following upon this pandemic. (Here are all the lessons for Easter IV.)
Our colleague from Greenpoint -- Fr. John Merz at Ascension Church -- had a fascinating, challenging, and moving interview with the NY Times. John helped to start a food truck called the North Brooklyn Angels that formerly brought free mobile meals to the vulnerable; they have more recently been bringing meals to the staff at Woodhull Hospital. I think you might like this copnversation --about the relationship between spirituality/mindfulness, activism, and the re-ordering of society post-pandemic. Certainly the North Brooklyn Angels are worth our support -- perhaps even our volunteer hours as a group (remember I mentioned Andrew had been doing research into how we might integrate our community into local efforts?) or financial support.