By Theresa Garnett
…Bless the dying…
Because my family has had symptoms of Covid-19, we have been quarantined for the past few weeks. We have been blessed by so many of you who have checked in on us (by text), brought us groceries (and dropped them off on the porch), and participated in Church of the Redeemer’s services and meetings (by Zoom chat).
But I have not been able to shake my disappointment that I am not helping others during this time. I can’t check on our elderly neighbors, bring my children to their grandparents for a health-imparting hug, or do the grocery shopping for others. Our Lenten Adult Discipleship group mulled this over together last week in our discussion of Christian vocation. What is my vocation in this time?
Perhaps this is morbid of me, but I find I am drawn to thinking about those who will die soon. Nine Minnesotans have died from Covid-19 so far, according to the official count as I write this. As I was singing a prayer of blessing to my toddler as he fell asleep tonight, I thought I would sing it a few more times, to bless each of the dying. I could not be with them, but I could sing for them, and in some mystical way help to bring the presence of Christ to their bedsides.
Be the great God between thy two shoulders to guard thy coming and thy going. Be the Son of Mary Virgin near thine own heart.Be the perfect Spirit upon thee pouring, O perfect Spirit upon thee pour.
It wasn’t too much trouble to sing that simple verse nine extra times, once for each who have died. I think I will sing again tonight, for those who will die this night. And I will sing again tomorrow for those who will die that day. Perhaps in the next days as the number of cases and deaths swell, it will become too much for me, and I won’t be able to sing for each of the dying in our state. No matter. I will offer what I can, and trust that there are others who pray for the dying as well.
And I am thankful I have found my way to help.