How are we to behave in times such as this?  As I reflect on the readings for today, I find good insights.  Paul says, “Let us greet each other with encouragement and good hope through his grace.  Let’s encourage each other’s hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.”  This was said in the spirit of waiting for the coming of the Lord at the last days, but we are told that this coming is probably a long way off.  In the meantime, can’t these words serve us well for our daily struggles with the pandemic?  We can’t just sit still and do nothing, waiting for it to end.  Even if we are sheltering in place, we can still encourage each other’s hearts.  We can still strengthen each other in good deeds and words even if just over the phone, through letters, sending donations, and on the internet.  We can do much to encourage others.

During this time, we also do well to remember what the Psalmist reminds us: “The Lord will come and govern the people with equity and justice.”  As we encourage each other, it is important to keep a focus on our faith.  That equity and justice can come alive through us.  I am trying these days to be more intentional about sharing the hope in the living Christ that is already among us.  Through grace, we are empowered to do the Lord’s work.  In Hebrews, we are reminded that “the word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.”

It certainly does seem to me that the word of God is at work among us, strengthening our hearts and encouraging our deeds of love, mercy, and justice.  During these troubled times, I see many examples of people adhering to the Gospel.  It encourages me.  In Matthew today we are reminded to not neglect what is important in the service of others.  We are to avoid self-indulgence and show mercy where it is needed.  That faith is indeed alive in the world.  We need not look far to see it.  Hopefully it is obvious to others in how we live our individual lives.

I pray today, that each of us can look deep into our hearts daily and ask ourselves, what am I doing to strengthen and encourage others with deeds of love and mercy?  What am I doing to share the living word of God?  Christ is indeed among us, but can others see it?  It is through his grace that we demonstrate that the word is alive and effective.  That is encouraging!