This is a time that we need to pray together like never before. Jesus Christ himself had to go with his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray with them. Even though the disciples could not pray but their presence meant a lot during that hour of prayer.
We are faced with circumstances more or less the same as those in Australia. More the same because of the interruption of the spiritual life of the church. Less the same because of the different health services and the availability.
As we celebrate this Holy Week, homes have been turned into prayer rooms / houses. Families are having worship services at home. The physical, link between Christians has been disrupted and people are trying to adapt to the service of family members. More messages are being passed through social media between the church members and their worship leaders. Some are having streamed services and sermons. In some parishes, like the cathedral church, are having daily programs where message and sermons are streamed either live or recorded to the Christians who receive them through Facebook, or You Tube.
For the rural parishes more is done in homes and the leaders pray in the church where they program that one person goes per day. In all these people try to follow the restrictions from the authorities as much as possible.
This kind of system/services has affected other church services like pastoral visits, because of social distancing, and offerings.
On the other hand, the Corona Virus pandemic has given a new meaning to family togetherness. The home worship has brought family members more closely and bonded. Talents and gifts are being exposed and exercised. Without this some talents might have not been exercised.
The Holy and Easter week has awoken the reality and importance of prayer in people’s lives. The diocese has impressed upon the clergy to be in touch with the Christians at this time of the pandemic. Easter Sunday services were done online in our urban churches but rural churches were done at homes.
With the reality of social distancing, lockdown and the fear that comes with the fear of contracting the virus people seem to become more unsocial, not like before where one could welcome someone from a far town very enthusiastically. Remember this is a time when those who have been working or studying away from home could join their families to celebrate Easter together. This pandemic has brought a massive change to this family socialization.
May the Lord God bless you abundantly and protect you and your family as you strive to stay safe during this pandemic time.
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