Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well! Readings for May 10, 2020; The Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60; Psalm 146; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. Psalm 146:1-6 What comforting words of assurance we have in the above psalm. They are words to remind us of whose we are, and who is watching over us. Even before Covid 19 struck, God took care so that Covid 19’s worst outcome would not win this battle over us; it does not have the last say. In the same way, cancer, nor heart disease, nor anything in all creation has the last say, because even if all those terrible earthly diseases and evils cause us to face death, we still have victory, because in Christ we have victory over death. Oh I know we don’t like talking, or thinking, about death. However, in days like these we are faced with the reality that we are mortal beings and that death will come to each of us eventually. I acknowledge the grief that we feel towards all the dear souls plagued with Covid 19 that have faced their final days alone and in isolation, void of any touch or family love. But this is the message we can share: in Christ, they were never ever alone. I truly believe that it is in these times that Christ is more present than ever. In Christ, our loved ones are not alone; they are being held in the arms and in the presence of their Saviour. He is more physically present than ever before. I have no doubt! My only prayer is that all people turn to the open arms of Jesus, even in their final moment, and receive his flood of mercy, grace, and life eternal. We talk about things as if they are final and forever. They are only final and forever, if people choose to deny the one who conquered death on their behalf. Therefore if you, me, and all our loved ones clung to the cross of Christ and acknowledged him for all he has done for us, we do not need to fear this earthly death and our separation from them, for we will surely see them again. Will we grieve and miss them while we are separated? Oh, yes! Without a doubt. But it will be only temporary. Therefore, just as Jesus says to his disciples to comfort them, he says to us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3) … FOREVER! Prayer: Dear Lord, these are scary days where we all are faced with the reality of death due to Covid 19, not to mention all the other diseases and events that destroy our earthly bodies. I give you all praise and glory and thanks for your love and faithfulness that before such terrible things happened, you took care of my salvation by redeeming me in the blood and sacrifice of your son, Jesus. Help me always to be reminded to live in this victory and continue to share your love and grace to all! In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!