Bishopric Message – 03/22
Bishopric Message
To say that we live in a unique era is an understatement. Our society is facing challenges not seen collectively for generations. Through it all, we are learning how to communicate and connect with our families, with each other and with our Father in Heaven.
During a virtual Ward Council Meeting today (not your typical meeting format), our caring leaders suggested that we might do well to have more frequent communications. To that end, you may see the newsletter come a little more frequently than monthly. We hope this will provide you a respite from the unusual circumstances surrounding us.
Our message today comes from Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky. From a recent opinion we read the following:
One of the brand new terms that has entered our daily conversation is “social distancing.” It is shorthand, as we know very well, for the practical physical precautions that we all must take in order to protect ourselves and others. But I’d humbly suggest that we use the term itself sparingly, if at all. Language is a powerful shaper of thinking. And the very last thing we need right now, is a mindset of mutual distancing.
We actually need to be thinking in the exact opposite way: Every hand that we don’t shake must become a phone call that we place. Every embrace that we avoid must become a verbal expression of warmth and concern. Every inch and every foot that we physically place between ourselves and another, must become a thought as to how we might be of help to that other, should the need arise.
It is obvious that “distancing,” if misplaced or misunderstood, will take its toll not only upon our community’s strength and resiliency, but upon the very integrity and meaning of our spiritual commitment. And who knows if it was for this time that we have committed ourselves to walk in God’s ways.
When we next find ourselves in prayer, let’s pause, and silently stand before our God who knows our needs even before we articulate them and who has called upon us to be the fingers of His outstretched hand.The way that we will protect and save ourselves is through protecting and saving others, as is always true.
Let’s stay safe. And let’s draw one another closer in a way that we’ve never done before.
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Every hand that we don’t shake must become a phone call that we place. Every embrace that we avoid must become a verbal expression of warmth and concern. Every inch and every foot that we physically place between ourselves and another, must become a thought as to how we might be of help to that other, should the need arise. |
We are the instruments in the hands of the Lord. May we watch and care for each other always.
The Parleys 5th Ward Bishopric
