Just Kamping

Since I last wrote, our COVID19 problem has only magnified. It has magnified greatly. And today, Sunday March 29^th, Christians all over the globe are streaming church services, gathering in small groups (while maintaining acceptable social distancing) or gathering through web platforms like Zoom… ultimately trying to maintain some connection to historical church practices that have shaped our lives- particularly the word of God read/preached, sacrament (communion), singing, and prayer. 

Did we think it would come to this? In December/January, when the virus went viral in the media, did we know that in March we would be home on a Sunday morning, utilizing technology to connect us to the people of God and the church liturgy? I surely didn’t. In fact, I naively thought this disease wouldn’t affect my small world on a small island in the West Pacific. But it has. You see, when disease is far away, happening in foreign places to people you’ll never know, it’s easy to feel sorry for them, even pray, yet remain emotionally unaltered. As the degrees of separation get smaller and the threat to us and our loved ones increases, our emotions begin to be stricken. Almost at once we reveal what or whom our hope is in, as we flee for comfort as fast as we can. Mortality greets us all and an illness out of our control projects the greeting louder, or maybe we’re just now paying attention. 

Where do we flee for comfort when our health, our security and that of our families is at risk; when mortality calls? Who or what are we waiting on? The answers to these questions will reveal who or what we’re trusting in. May I be bold enough to say that the answer we give reveals the god(s) we serve? Some will fully trust their government to fix the problem. Others will place their trust in medical professionals and many will endlessly consume media, waiting for heralds of good news to present their savior. Still others may trust in their own ability to take control of their situation and protect at all costs. Now don’t get me wrong, governments are instruments for our good, medical professionals are immensely valuable and should be honored and the news media does have an important role in reporting current events. I also have a role to play in my protection and that of my family. However, none of these options are able to deliver the peace we’re after, the peace only a true God can give. That can only be found in the Pax Christi, or the Peace of Christ. COVID will never threaten it. 

The Church that Jesus established was given ways to rehearse their identity in the family of God and to remember the peace Jesus has given us. When we gather in buildings (large or small), in homes, or on Zoom and we practice the historical practices of the Church, together as one we rehearse the truth about ourselves, our world and the God we serve. We hear the word of God spoken or preached, we share in the body and blood of his son in remembrance of him, and we pray and sing in response. 

What do these things, these habits and practices of the Church have to do with responding to pandemics and uncertainty? Everything. These practices shape who we are as the people of God and therefore how we respond in a world of unrest. These practices remind us of the peace purchased for us on the cross and delivered at the resurrection. It’s the peace that enables us to stare into the eyes of the COVIDs of this world, unwavering and steadfast in our hope: that our God reigns, all authority in heaven and on earth is his, and if these monsters do their worst, I’m no less loved. For my hope is set on the resurrection to come when Jesus will slay evil with the sword of his mouth, and fully consummate his peace on earth. 

Would the world recognize a people shaped by such habits? Would our responses to COVID be different? 

What does this look like practically? I hope to write further on this, especially as our situation progresses and there’s no end in sight. 

For now: 

Train your mind to be steadfast in trusting God, for he will keep you in perfect peace (Isa 26:3). And when anxiety shows its ugly head- pray, petition your Father, and thank him that he, THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE, bends to hear your every prayer (Phil 4:6-7, Ps. 116:2). 

As you’re able, keep meeting, keep rehearsing, keep forming.

These are difficult times. Cling to the Rock. 

-Kyle