A Letter from Lindy Jan 28

Beloved Pilgrims, well—
 
This week I have come to know more acutely than I want what it means to feel unclean. A kinship with the spirit who calls Jesus out in this Sunday’s gospel passage as I stood in line to board the plane for my return to Durham. Although the state of Florida may eschew protective protocols against viruses, I tried valiantly to protect my fellow citizens, even as masking was complicated with a hacking cough, compromised breathing, scratchy throat and runny nose. I watched people visibly cringe and step away from me. The poor guy who had to sit next to me on the plane, gracious though he was, I’m sure he went home to sanitize body and soul.

 We are in such unknown territory in how we manage these viral brushes. Stay home. Mask. But for how long? There are no protocols for viruses other than COVID, so we guestimate what feels right for all involved if we are sensitive to the care of our neighbors.

Coming home to a packed schedule held no power over this virus. Whether to join the 100 or so gathered at the DCIA banquet or the Christian Unity worship service the next day felt problematic, not so much for me as for all those I would come in contact with as my mask would inevitably come on and off for me to care for myself. Even smaller groups of clergy colleagues felt questionable after my sister awoke with a cough and scratchy throat within 24 hours of me being home–18 of which we were not in the same location and/or in the same room. 

Ugh! I hated missing these opportunities (if I had felt up to attending) and yet, like Jesus teaching in the synagogue in our story for Sunday, I think some of the miraculous of that day was Jesus’ attention to the spirit. His refusal to dismiss it away. His willingness to listen even when the spirit’s words were telling him something he may not have wanted to hear.  That could have risked his standing in community. Instead Jesus lead with compassion, caring for the man and his unclean companion, guiding both words and actions. 

One wonders if that might have been what brought amazement to the people and began the spread of his fame.  Perhaps just a sick-fog-addled thought.

Pastor Lindy

(she/her) why pronouns matter