We live in the time of COVID-19.

Daily, sometimes hourly, we hear of more cases of the virus, more cancellations of events, more closing of schools.

This is a time of disruption. It is also a time to live and act as faithful people of God.

This pandemic, and the need for social distancing, come during Lent. For the church, Lent is a time for more intentional practices: of prayer, reflection, silence, and Scripture study.

Circumstances now are forcing a change in our behavior, but let’s see this as an opportunity for us to pause and reflect, to breathe, and to think about what it means to be the body of Christ.

How do we stay connected when gathering is discouraged? How do we care for our neighbor?

Congregations and synods are developing creative ways for people to worship and stay connected.

One suggestion from the Northwest Washington Synod was for congregations to set a common prayer time so that people know they are praying together even though they are not gathered in person.

Bishop Ann Svennungsen of the Minneapolis Area Synod suggests that we are practicing physical distancing, not social distancing, for we are all members, one of another, in Christ.

Fasting is also a Lenten discipline. Perhaps this Lent, we may need to fast from physical touch, and even Holy Communion for a while.

But as St. Paul writes:

We might come to sense that absence makes the presence of God more profound.

I urge us all to respect the disease:

• Don’t take unnecessary risks.

• Provide for the spiritual and physical needs of the neighbor.

• Make use of medical aid.

• Wash your hands!

• And care for one another, especially the most vulnerable.

Staying home, and limiting public gatherings are ways that we can do our part to slow the spread of coronavirus. We have developed resources that offer guidance as we minister to and engage with each other, and within communities, as the body of Christ. Find these resources at ELCA.org/publichealth.

We are not alone. Jesus said:

Be of good courage, dear church,

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America