Reflections on 1 Year of Pandemic
Today, we solemnly reflect on this past year of pandemic and the experiences of grief, loss, and isolation that have become all too familiar. Even as we hope and expect—with good reason—an end to this health crisis, it is important for us to sit with these feelings.
Since the first outbreaks were reported, over 2.6 million people have died around the world with over 118 million having been infected. It's hard to comprehend suffering and loss of life at even a fraction of that scale. Millions of us have lost friends, parents, siblings, grandparents, children—and as a cruel consequence of a raging virus, we cannot safely gather to mourn and grieve together.
Many of us have lost work and other opportunities, experiencing a traumatic upending of our lives. We've been confronted with the inequities of economic systems that callously demand much for little in return.
Even as we've done our best to love our neighbors and limit the spread of the virus via physical distancing and masks, isolation takes a toll on each of us. The grief and fear that accompany a global health crisis are compounded by the inability for us to gather, whether in church, with family, or even at functions such as Pride. While vaccines offer a way out of this status quo, the mental and emotional toll of this past year cannot be overstated.
In an effort to provide spiritual care and opportunities for mindfulness, we shared 4 weeks of Prayers, Practices, & Meditations. In the third week, we cited an especially poignant selection adapted from the Book of Common Prayer:
"Be gentle with the one who walks with grief.
If it is you, be gentle with yourself.
Swiftly forgive; walk slowly, pausing often.
Take time; be gentle as you walk with grief."
Today, we take a moment to acknowledge and hold space for our grief, however it looks and wherever it may have emanated. See it, feel it, and be gentle with yourself. Be gentle with your neighbor.
May we hold our grief and hope together, knowing that Christ is our all in all. We are not alone.
