Thoughts from Our Bridge Pastor
Rev. Barbara K. Peronteau
Thoughts from the Pastor…
Usually I have a reflection for this space, but with Christmas Eve and the current situation regarding the Omicron version of Covid causing us to suspend in-person worship for the time being, there's not much space left. (You can still find ACC worship on YouTube.) I have some half-baked thoughts about my time with you as your bridge pastor. Perhaps if I could have some space in next week’s Parishscope I could share them with you when my thoughts will be fully baked.
Instead of my thoughts I think I will share some thoughts of Martin Luther regarding the Bubonic Plague that swept through Wittenberg, Germany. Originally, the plague entered Europe through Italian and French shipping ports in 1347. By 1349 the plague had reached Germany and by 1351 had spread throughout Europe. The initial outbreak had pretty much run its course by 1353. The plague would return though, in 6 - 12 year periods. The disease took three different forms in humans.
On August 2, 1527 the plague made its way to Wittenberg. Martin Luther's older son, Hans, became very ill, but survived. Luther's wife, Kathryn, was pregnant at the time with their second child, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was born sickly and would soon die at the tender age of eight months.
In 1527 Martin Luther wrote a letter called, "Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague." Below is an excerpt from this letter about the plague of his time. I thought this might be instructive for us during the plague of our own time.
I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid persons and places where my presence is not needed, in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me he will surely find me, and I will have done what God has expected of me, and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person, but will go freely as stated above. See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy, and does not tempt God. (Luther’s Works, Vol. 43, pg. 132)
With the help and mercy of God, may we all get through this time together.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a kind and gentle 2022,
~ Pr. Barbara