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The Friday Reflection
April 24, 2020
Cathy Kline
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Fear not; I have called you by name…
We are in the wonderful season of Easter and we can once again ring out the cry of, “Christ is Risen, The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia” We can sing the Easter Hymns like the one used by our Cathedral’s worship on Sunday, “The strife is o’er, the battle is done”. Although it may not feel like the season with our limitations to our worshiping together in public and we may be feeling the battle isn’t over with the fear hanging over us of a worldwide pandemic but, I am comforted by these words knowing that every day is Easter. As Christians, this is the hope, the promise and the joy we are to live by.
As Christian leaders we are to take it a step farther and make it the story we are to tell and the assurance we are to lead by. I remember very clearly the moment God called me into ministry. I was not quite sure I heard it right. I really wanted to be like, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah when he heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” However, I think I was a bit more reluctant and fearful. It took much discernment and a great deal of prayer to finally answer that call but here I am.
So how is it exactly that we stand out in the crowd when there is no crowd to stand out in? How do we share the story and lead with the assurance of that promise when there are such difficulties surrounding us. I am reminded of Moses’ struggles with the Israelites and the fear they all had as well as the lack of trust this fear produced. It took great faith and leadership to stand up to people who were in fear for their lives as the army of Pharaoh was breathing down their backs. He boldly told these people “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
We too need not be afraid. It is hard in the midst of so much pain fear and troubles. Many families have loved ones who are very ill; many have lost some to this illness. There are many who have lost their jobs and have no idea what tomorrow will bring. We as Christian leaders need to be there for each and every one of these people. We need to listen and pray with them, we need to help support and feed them. We need to be there to pick up the pieces and help them get back up and keep on going. We also however sometimes need to stand still and be reassured of the salvation of the Lord, for as God said to Isaiah, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. Also we need to join together in celebration of Easter, being assured that the strife is over, the battle done, the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun Alleluia!
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Bishop David Rice
Wednesday was a significant day in the life of EDSJ, The Episcopal Church and, the world in which we live. Firstly, we were one of the few dioceses to observe and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with the Diocesan Service. And secondly, it was my pleasure to participate in a three person panel discussion through our Washington National Cathedral’s social platform, Honest to God, regarding Earth Day and all things creation care.
I wish to extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Deacon Terrance Goodpasture, our Diocesan Creation Care Coordinator, Dean Ryan Newman, our Cathedral Dean, and Deacon Nelson Povedo, our Diocesan Latino Missioner and all other contributors for what was an extraordinary diocesan observance and celebration of Earth Day. If you didn’t have the opportunity to experience that service, you can find it on our Diocesan Webpage. Equally, for those of you who were unable to tune in to Honest to God through Washington National Cathedral, that discussion is also available through the aforementioned link.
I want to offer my opening statement as a participant on the panel:
“There may be some out there participating in this social platform who are curious regarding why we are giving attention to Earth Day during these pandemic times in which we find ourselves. We have heard now for a considerable amount of time the importance of flattening the curve of COVID-19 through social distancing, sheltering in place, wearing masks and gloves and the like. We are, without a doubt in a crisis. There is another crisis albeit perhaps traveling at a somewhat slower pace and that is the climate crisis. Global change is generally slower and somewhat more multifaceted than this pandemic but it is equally unstoppable unless we make changes. We must flatten the curve regarding our consumption of resources.”
Interestingly, and I hope, not surprisingly enough, we spent the first few moments in our panel discussion talking about the similarities and intersections between the crisis of COVID-19 and the crisis of climate. And I think I recount accurately when I suggest that central to that part of our discussion was an acknowledgment of how our actions impact the entire world around us. Thus, in the case of the pandemic, we observe the recommended precautions because we know that is the very best way of taking care of those around us. And in the case of creation, we know that there’s a direct correlation between how we treat our world as a gift, thereby offering it care rather than consuming it, and how we take care of others who share this gift.
And so, I would suggest the most profound similarity and intersection between the crises before us involves the undeniable manner in which we are connected to one another and how our actions so demonstratively impact the other.
I believe this global connectedness about which I write was beautifully reflected in and highlighted by the multi lingual Lord’s Prayer during our Diocesan Service this week. In other words, as we pray these words in the languages of our hearts, we are profoundly reminded of how connected we are to one another and how responsible we are for one another.
Enjoy…
Easter Blessings
+David
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Prayers of the People for use in Lent for immigration reform:
Risen Lord as we rejoice in your rising let us be mindful of those who have little to rejoice about. Let us pray for those who have little joy in their lives, those persecuted and alone.
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Fend Off “Energy Vampires.”
Make sure to turn off and unplug items when they’re not in use. The socket draws electricity even when items are “turned off.” Some items that are often plugged-in when not in use are blow-dryers, phone chargers, electric kettles, and coffee pots. Other items that are often left in the “on” position when not in use are televisions, computers, and video game consoles. Using the battery-saving function on smart phones and computers helps them last longer, as well as saves energy. Perhaps you have a spare refrigerator you only need to run when you’re preparing to entertain guests. Look around your house and find what can be unplugged. You might be surprised by your energy savings!
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Friday Reflection
All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at: [email protected]
All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.
Submission requirements:
pictures -JPEG format
articles- word document
document to link- PDF
Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.
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Participation and Prayers
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Diocesan Events
Diocesan Council & Standing Committee
April 25 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
ZOOM
Deacon’s Fresh Start
April 27 | 6:30 pm
ZOOM
Clergy COVID Conference
April 30 | 12:30 pm
ZOOM
Spanish Immersion Week
July 12-19
ECCO
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Upcoming Event Information
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Spanish Immersion at ECCO
Come join us for a week of Spanish learning!
Join us for a week of learning to speak Spanish! You will have time to learn, bring home materials to keep learning, and enjoy many activities among colleagues and friends.
Prices include take home materials, week long materials, lodging, all meals, and activities!
Registration is due by June 10th. We need 25 people minimum to join us! Register blow.
If the program is canceled due to lack of participant registrations, all costs will be refunded.
However, if a participant cancels after the registration cut off date, costs cannot be refunded.
Registrations are due – June 10th
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Online Series: Women Doctors of the Church
Join Jan Stegner at 11 AM on Tuesday’s, April 21-May 12 to learn and share about four remarkable women of the Church. The meetings will be offered via Zoom. Please register for each session at sandomino.org and you be sent the link to log-in for your mini-retreat experience.
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