A time to be a loving neighbor – at a distance

The words of Ecclesiastes 3:3-8 are most appropriate at this time:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”

What time is it now? Of late, I’ve been preaching to folks more than usual. I’ve been telling people that they should take the threat of coronavirus more seriously. I wish more would heed the warnings.

This is a newly identified virus and we are learning more about it every day.

To those who have said this is no worse than the flu, it is not true. For one, coronavirus appears to be more easily transmitted. Second, the fatality rate is higher thus far.

Today, I read a story about the Skagit Valley Chorale, based in Mount Vernon, Washington. They decided to meet on the night of March 10. Because of the threat of coronavirus, only 60 of their 121 members showed up that night. Three weeks later 45 of them tested positive for the virus, at least three were hospitalized, and two died. No one had shown obvious symptoms when they held their rehearsal.

So, in light of the above, what time is it? Well, it is most certainly a time for love. How so?

Galatians 5:14 puts this all into a neat package: “For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Even if you were to contract the virus and are asymptomatic (showing no obvious symptoms), it can be easily transmitted to someone who then may not be as fortunate. So, as odd as this may sound, please love your neighbor by keeping your distance, and may your neighbor keep their distance from you as well.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.