By now, many Americans will have received another round of COVID-19 financial relief from the federal government. To be sure, the monies and various other helps will assist people near the edge of real troubles. For some, sadly, the damage is done. As a pastor, family man, and concerned citizen, I grieve over the tragedy and impact of last year’s pandemic both in lives and livelihoods lost. My hope is that we will soon return to normalcy regardless of who gets the credit for getting us there. In the end, I will personally give acclaim to God as, collectively, we could not have done this without the intellect and willpower afforded us as created and sentient beings.
What is also true, it appears, is that some families and individuals may not need the assistance at this time. For some, their careers and life circumstances may not have seen the devastation that so many others report. Taking my pastor’s hat off for a moment, I do question the wisdom in not having a stronger means test so that the truly desperate get the lion’s share of helps. We’ll see. It is possible, as well, that I am uninformed regarding the reach of the package. If so, I apologize.
Something that may be of interest for those who find this fortunate windfall in their bank account, is to direct these resources to individuals or groups that will be of assistance in mitigating hidden suffering. Your sphere of influence and knowledge is different than mine and mine is different from another and so on.
For instance, maybe charity does begin at home by helping a family member effected. Perhaps a food bank or homeless shelter is overwhelmed and our redirecting the monies will meet a serious need. Maybe a workmate would weep before you at private gestures of kindness. You get the idea.
What is interesting about Jesus when he ministered among us, was the fact that he always met a physical need before tackling a spiritual condition. He would heal an arm, restore sight, feed thousands, and make a paralytic able to walk again, to name just a few examples, before sharing true spiritual truths. The reason is clear. If we can give of ourselves for another absent any form of quid pro quo, we earn the respect and gratitude of those we serve. We show that we are different. It is for the best that we do something rather than nothing, but if that something makes another less worried, anxious, or troubled, we truly succeed. We uniquely know what to do if we are willing.
Easter is this Sunday. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and humility. Christians celebrate the example and sacrifice of Christ on behalf of humanity. Our response is to emulate the archetype that is Jesus’ life lesson to us all, namely love. True “relief” starts here. Let’s do this together.
Pastor Kent Simmons of Canyon Community Church can be contacted at kent@canyon-church.com.