Bruce Epperly

At the heart of love is the willingness to sacrifice for the well-being of others. Meditate on the words of Rabbi Hillel the Great, “If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?”

As I see the photos of persons who have died from COVID-19, the richness of their lives, their meaning to loved ones, I weep at the loss to their families, friends, and communities.

There is nothing wrong with being afraid. The challenge is not being afraid of being afraid.

As you look at your emotional life, what grievances are you holding onto? Where is unforgiveness limiting you? God invites you—prayerfully and faithfully—to let go of the past.

In speaking of South African women protesting the injustice of apartheid, poet June Jordan asserted that we are the ones we have been waiting for. Take time to look at your community and ask God for guidance for your justice-seeking.

When we pray for the children, even those we will never meet, we discover that every child is God’s beloved child.