When the Ancient Jews were taken off into exile, they had no idea when they would return to the Promised Land. When the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 CE, this people of God had no idea if a central place of Worship would ever be rebuilt. Throughout the history of diaspora, dispersion throughout the world, the Jews continued to have faith in God’s Promise and to come together in Worship, albeit differently.

During the Passover meal, they would add, “Next year in Jerusalem.”

You and I are experiencing a bit of diaspora ourselves just now, and the Psalms written during the exile, most of which we say throughout the Lenten Season, remind us that even in the darkest hours God is with us. We too look forward to that moment when we can again come together in Worship.

Our Worship together is different, but we continue to Worship together. Live Streaming from an empty Sanctuary is strange, Palm Sunday, without Palms being distributed is strange, not to mention what to do about Easter. And we are learning how to come together, how to pray for one another in times of great strife, how to recognize God’s Promise to remain with us.

As I walked the grounds yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice that Spring is still springing. New growth peeking through old leaf mulch, birds flitting here and there building nests and singing song. Even in exile we answer God’s call to Love one another as we develop new protocols to make and deliver food for Midnight Run, to distribute food at the Interfaith Food Pantry, to support one another in prayer and laughter.

Be at peace, for the Lord our God is with us.
Mary+