Coronavirus continues to swamp headlines and conversations until it seems there is nothing else going on in the world (and certainly not on social media!). While that is not true, the changes we are struggling to make in the face of a pandemic have become the lens through which we view everything else.
Consider my initial response to reading Psalm 73, verse 13:
All in vain I have kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.
I couldn’t help but think about memes of skeleton hands, warnings against washing off all the natural germ-resistance that lives on our hands…and of course all the hand-sanitizer stories and jokes making the rounds of social media.
Then there are verses 2–3:
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
It is difficult to learn more each day about the denial and incompetence of US political leadership (and the consequences of choices made months ago to not support public health projects and plans) and not become angry and condemnatory. Yet I believe that is the psalmist’s point. For the faithful, condemnation is not an option—because of what it does to our own hearts. We are in danger of stumbling and falling when we focus on the sins of others. The psalmist illustrates this with vivid imagery in verses 21–22:
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
I was stupid and ignorant; I was like a brute beast.
It can be very difficult to avoid embittered hearts, especially when we feel powerless. Fortunately, we are not powerless in other areas of our lives. We are called, even in challenging times like this, to remember the spiritual power of our presence. If we are angry and embittered, we share that energy, that negativity with the world. As children of God, we are called to something more.
Even in this pandemic season of “social distancing,” we are called to draw closer to each other. We can do this through emails, phone calls, texts, and consciously sharing helpful material on social media (consider this powerful poem that’s making the rounds). We can exchange smiles rather than frowns as we pass each other in long lines or walking by empty store shelves. We can share rather than stockpile.
Here’s my small Lenten poetry contribution for this week:
Washing hands frequently
Washing hearts regularly
Wishing goodwill intentionally
How can you be a loving presence in your various social circles today?
Congratulations on signaling your moral superiority in the face of the denial and incompetence of US political leadership. Thank Heaven you aren’t like them. How does it feel to be a Pharisee in the 21st Century.
Hello, David. Interesting that you see my post this way, given how strongly Jesus criticized the hypocritical political leadership of his time. Take a good, close look at Matthew 23 and then let’s talk about who the Pharisees are right now. I am simply following Jesus–although, frankly, I’m not as rude to the leadership as he was. 🙂
Peace,
Shirin
You have a profound commitment to looking good and pointing out the flaws of others. So the US political leadership is a perfect foil for you. Every post I read from you is about your latest display of virtue signaling. I think we’re all doing the best we can to deal with COVID-19. That includes President Trump, Speaker Pelosi, everybody.
Your inability to engage in honest introspection has always amazed me.
David, I am not perfect, nor do I claim to be (check out my posts for 12/2/2018 and 5/21/2017, for example). I do, however, claim to stand for and with the powerless, which Jesus does and most of our political leadership does not. I’m also following Jesus, who was not afraid to sometimes point out the flaws of others (and I find it interesting that you don’t respond to my posts on the weeks when I don’t touch on the political). Being nice is not always what God calls us to do–and, at the same time, I can still do my best to love others, even people like you, with whom I disagree.
I hope and pray we are all doing our best to deal with COVID-19.
Peace,
Shirin
I’m sorry , but. every time. I read your posts, it’s always some iteration of Us vs them. And the “Us”s (meaning you) always seem to have the moral high ground. Eventually the repetition renders you irrelevant.
Interesting that you see this, David, when every single post of mine in February (https://shirinmcarthur.com/2020/02/) had absolutely nothing to do with Us vs. Them. Go read them. Perhaps they will lighten your heart this day.
Peace,
Shirin
I am humbled and I apologize. The old saying “We see what we want to see.” applies to me too. Anyway, it wasn’t fair to generalize about your blog. Again, I was wrong.
Thank you, David, for your honesty and humility. We all have our blind spots–myself included! Apology accepted. May you find grace and peace this week, and stay healthy and safe.
Peace,
Shirin
You too.
Thank you!
Shirin
Shirin, thank you for reminding me of this, in particular, at this particular moment. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
“For the faithful, condemnation is not an option—because of what it does to our own hearts. We are in danger of stumbling and falling when we focus on the sins of others” and the reminder from the psalmist.
You’re welcome, Sondra. I’m glad this post speaks to you.
Peace,
Shirin