Maybe you have heard the story of how the disciple Simon Peter received the nickname “Cephas” (Peter), which means rock.
But did you know his given Hebrew name, Simon, means listen?
Yes, his faith was firm as a rock, but at times, he had trouble listening to Jesus. Especially when Jesus foretold of his suffering and death.
Maybe you heard of the guy who had a hearing problem: he heard only what he wanted to. Simon Peter suffered from this condition from time to time.
When Jesus told a parable or said something very important, he would emphasize, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen.” I’m sure this was the Rabbi in him.
Yet, there was urgency in his words because he was speaking words of life.
On March 15, I announced we would not be having worship services at our church for the next two Sunday’s. We postponed all meetings, studies and programs. This was because I listened to our Bishop, the President, the Governor and everyone else who said we had to “flatten the curve.”
We are in the midst of a very serious pandemic. COVID-19 is unlike anything we have faced in my time. This is a time to listen! The Greek philosopher, Epictetus said, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”
What am I hearing? As our mothers always reminded us, “Wash
your hands!” And as I learned, at least for 20 seconds with soap and water. This is a simple and effective way to protect ourselves and others.
Be careful of the surfaces we touch and avoid touching our face or mouth; this is not a time to shake hands or high-five.
I have even stopped
my pastoral fist bumps. Bump elbows until this is over.
Practice social distancing – to keep everyone safe – and stay at least six feet from individuals and if at all possible stay home.
The CDC recommends gatherings of no more than ten people.
The fact that restaurants and hotels are closing is another sign of how serious we are to take this. Pray for those who continue to work and for those who are losing their jobs. Pray for the healing of the nations.
We do not know how long we will have to continue these measures, but I am grateful for all the work being done by our leaders and the health care professionals to keep us safe.
I remember an old fellow who when you talked to him he would shake his head and reply, “I hear you, I hear you.”
I always wondered if he did.
Are we listening?
“Let anyone with ears to hear listen.”
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church.