Day 14 – Sometimes You Need to Get Creative

As the Coronavirus (COVID19) continues to wreak havoc throughout our nation and world, the Orthodox Church continues to stand faithful to Christ. She offers words of peace and comfort amidst so many unknowns as health officials continue to learn more each day. Church throughout the world, and here in America, have decided either to close completely or at minimum reduce schedules.

It almost seems counter-intuitive to see Churches closing during a crisis. For centuries the Church has invited faithful to enter the Church in times of crisis and pray. Divine Liturgies have continued throughout plagues and other crisis moments in history. What makes this crisis different? In some places Churches are even being required by the government to close, not because they are Churches, but to avoid large crowds gathering for the safety of people. Just when you would want to go to Church, it may not be possible.

Sound familiar? That was just the scenario in today’s Gospel lesson. (You can read the entire passage below) Four friends had decided to take their paralyzed friend to see Christ and be healed. They couldn’t get in the house because the crowd was so large. That didn’t stop them from helping their friend, so they had to get creative. Their faith was rewarded by Christ, and the young man was healed.

During this crisis, some are unable to enter the Church and meet Christ, but that can’t stop our efforts to help our friends. Of course, I’m not suggesting anyone climb the roof of the Church, but just because you can get inside the Church today doesn’t mean you give up helping. For a short time, Churches may be less accessible or even inaccessible, but there are always opportunities for prayer standing in front of your home altar. Many Churches offer live streaming of services. There are many online ministries similar to Be Transfigured Ministries that offer recorded sermons and classes for those who are unable to enter the Church for whatever reason. At least you can take advantage of these technologies if your Church is closed during this heath crisis.

When it doubt, stand in front of your home altar, light your candle and incense. Bless your home and sing some hymns as a family. You may not be able to get to Church, but sometimes you need to get creative. Whatever you choose to do during this crisis, remember it is temporary. Eventually the Churches will reopen, and life will return to more normal. God will not penalize you if you are prohibited from being in Church. When you can go, then you should go.

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”-he said to the paralytic-“I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.” And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2.1-12)