Dear Edwards Church Community,
Resurrection has never been about resuscitation, the revival of a body that had stopped breathing and died. Resurrection happens when an old body gives way and new life rises from it: a new life growing out of the old one, a new life with some features carried over from the old, perhaps, but renewed and not the same. Butterflies are not caterpillars, and should not be expected to behave as if they were.
Knowing this from our Christian tradition helps to prepare us for the “new normal,” whatever that will be. Someday we will rise up from our tombs of physical distancing and begin to resume beloved customs. It will be more like what we are used to, but probably not exactly the same, especially not all at once. Carefully, step by step at first, we will at some time in the future worship in the sanctuary. But as much as I love greeting all of you on Sundays, I doubt it will happen anytime soon.
Local, state and national public health experts – the people we need to listen to at least as much as political leaders – are clearly saying that some form of physical distancing will continue to be not only prudent but necessary for some time to come. This will preserve the hard won progress in avoiding illness from the virus so far.
All that said, we still have much to celebrate, because we are an Easter people and Christ has risen! Or as one of my indirect mentors (that is, someone my mentors looked up to) was fond of saying, “Christ died on the cross and rose as the church.” We, the church, keep dying and rising with Jesus all the time. Sometimes it is just more obvious, because some of the changes are more painful and difficult.
In this time of wholesale disruption to what we consider the normal patterns of our social and economic lives, let us never lose sight of what is happening down the road in Springfield, Worcester, Boston, or Chelsea, much less New York and around the world. We will find ways to transition back into freer movement and activity, but it will take time. These adaptations are about protecting lives. I can think of nothing more deserving of our patience. And if you need to blow off steam, take a walk!
Meanwhile, hang in there. I look forward to “seeing you” any way I can.
Blessings,
Michael