Praise be to the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. We have reached the climax of our lent season – the Holy week. As we dwell on the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, we do realize that this is a lent like no other. Because we are going through a time and situation that we could never imagine. A deadly disease of Covid-19 is around us. Around us people are falling sick and many are dying. A deadly pestilence which we have read about only in the Bible and in history books is now at our door. And in this time of heartbreaking events we have only God as our refuge.
As a measure to control the spread of this disease we had to shut the church building at Hudson. But that opened up the church in our homes. One difference that this season will be remembered for is how all our homes joined together online for prayer and worship. Since Wednesday, March 18th (mid-Lent), we have been conducting lent services online. It has been a source of solace and strength for many. This is the first time in our parish when we conducted lent prayers on all days after mid-lent. Also, it brought together the efforts of our parish members in co-ordinating supplies to nearby hospitals which were struggling with lack of protective gear. At the time of writing this message we have already provided:
1. 500 paper gift bags for nurses to store and carry their PPE
2. 1100 Face shields
3. 90 gowns
4. 3100 surgical masks
5. Stitched 250 cloth masks so far
A big thanks to our members who are ordering, financing and transporting the supplies. Our hearts and prayers are with our members who serve as medical and para-medical staff at hospitals. We pray for God’s protection on you and your family. And we pray that God would give you the strength each day to snatch people from the jaws of death. Our prayers are also with the government, both Federal and State, with the workers who keep the stores, supply chains and utilities running, which keep us comfortable in our homes.
These days amidst all the fears and heartbreaking news, we have seen the how faith has been refined amidst suffering. We have a God who understands our pain. In him, we have our hope. In him, we have our healing. That is why we draw strength from prayer. Faith has been made real and relevant during these trying times. I pray that as we go through the bleakness of Good Friday we look forward with hope to the Resurrection Easter Sunday. God fill us with hope and healing this season.
From the Carmel Mar Thoma Parsonage at Northborough, MA
Your Vicar
Rev. Thomas John
April 10, 2020
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