With the spike in COVID cases from the Delta variant, most of you are probably already aware of the CDC’s recently updated recommendations that vaccinated people should continue to wear a mask while inside buildings to protect both themselves and others. I hope you also already know that in light of this, our church updated its COVID protocol to be line with this recommendation.
This change has relieved some of you, and has caused frustration for others of you. But while our new church protocols still leave it up to you to make the best choice, I want to share with you why I’m choosing again to wear a mask inside while around groups of people.
My decision has nothing to do with politics, fear, or lack of faith. Instead, since the data is inconclusive about whether or not vaccinated people can spread the virus, I choose to err on the side of caution in seeking to protect our children, vulnerable adults, and even those of us who are fully vaccinated from the potential spread, and (hopefully) am also putting at ease those of you who might otherwise not feel comfortable approaching me with a spiritual or pastoral need.
Over the last year and a half, I’ve heard people talk about asking others to wear a mask as something that infringes on their “rights” and freedom to choose. For me, Christian faith is NOT about asserting my rights, but about choosing to give up my rights for the sake of the good of others. That’s what the Bible calls “agape” love – love that sacrifices itself for the sake of others.
Remember Jesus’ words in Luke 22:42 when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he said “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” That’s kind of how I feel about wearing a mask. I’d prefer not to wear one, if I don’t have to. But for the sake of keeping others (and myself) safe from this Delta variant, I’ll sacrifice my comfort.
Also remember another example from 1 Corinthians 8, where Paul addresses the question of food sacrificed to idols. There, he says that idols don’t really have any power, so all food should be okay to eat. But he goes on to say that some people don’t know or understand that, and therefore it may cause them to stumble if they see a person of faith eating such food. So, in Verse 13 he concludes by saying, “if food is a cause of their failing, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.” The point he’s making is that there are times when faith invites me to do something that I may or may not need to do, but I choose to do it because it can protect others from harm.
Again, in the end, YOU are the one who has to choose to do what you feel is best. But I wanted to share my reasoning for why I’m doing what I’m doing, at the very least to give you something to think and pray about. Regardless of your choice, please know that I value being your Pastor, that I’m here for you, and that I love you as God loves you! Please let me know how I can help and support you!
