Twenty years it’s been, unbelievable. As we Americans and the entire world remember, and for some Americans re-live the horror of September 11, 2001, we cannot help but reflect on and grieve our present horror in the millions who have suffered and died from Covid-19 infections since February of 2020. In both of these we are led inexorably to ponder the fragility of our human existence and the resilience and courage of those committed to the preservation of our life, our health, and our well-being the world over.
On my way south on US Rt. 209 just north of Kerhonkson this past week, I was privileged to be required to stop and turn off my vehicle for a half an hour or more as family members were accompanied by EMT, firefighting and police personnel leaving the graveside of one of their own following his burial. After a blessedly brief moment of frustration, I was drawn by the Holy Spirit to pray: to pray for this small community of men and women willing to serve their neighbors, their friends, even strangers in need—all of them willing to offer their very lives if necessary. And as those solemnly walking were joined by the fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles slowly passing by my car, I wept for their obvious pain and loss, for the gift of their presence from towns and villages all up and down the valley, and for their families who love and support them through it all.
Like our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Women, Marines, Coast Guard Sailors, Army Reserve Members, and so many others, these first responders—along with countless numbers who serve in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, shelters, food pantries; on farms, in schools, in markets, food processing, transportation, to name but a few—are the ones who have held and continue to hold the fabric of our common life together. None of us can ever be “islands unto ourselves”, for we all have a role in keeping each other, our society, our country, our world community as whole and as healthy as possible. We are, as the ancient Collect in the Book of Common Prayer reminds us, completely dependent upon each other’s toil. We can only begin to perceive and embrace that Holy Love which lies at the center of the universe when we experience holy love in community. God, I’m fairly certain, would have it no other way.