Love is the Way

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 27 BCP 233)

Unfortunately, things are not going as well as we all would like. With Delta variant cases on the rise here in Venango County, we are going to have to return to everyone wearing masks while inside the church buildings. While we might wish this wasn't necessary, we move in this direction out of God's love for all people. Not a single person should be put at risk for illness (or worse!) while worshipping God. 

God's love for us and for other people informs all our decisions. When we are steeped in true religion, in following the example Jesus has set for us, love is always the way forward. We may not always be happy with some of the stops along Love's way, especially when it costs us time or money or energy or covering our faces. Yet, right now, this is a great way to show God's love for our neighbors. 

Getting caught up in the details of organized religion can be easier sometimes than changing our lives to follow Jesus' example of true religion. The details of our rituals give us a focus, which can be helpful to focus on God, but can also be a distraction from God. Our relationship with God, the way of love in our lives, is of the utmost importance. Despite everything else going on in the world, may we never forget Jesus' example of love for us.