John 16:32
One of the most dreadful aspects of COVID-19 is the harsh reality of the indescribable loneliness, experienced by the many victims of this awful virus. As persons-in-community as we were created to be, the very thought of being quarantined just horrifies many of us. Being sick can be quite a traumatic experience, but being sick all by oneself, with no-one there, especially not having a familiar loved one there, takes it very much to another level indeed!
Unfortunately this has been one of the greatest tragedies of this COVID-19 pandemic – so many of our loved ones suffered and died alone. The fact that in their hour of the greatest need we just couldn’t be there in person to comfort and support our loved ones, will continue to trouble many for quite some time. So many seem to be haunted by this recurrent nightmare that their loved-ones transitioned from this life without them being able to hold their hands or say a proper goodbye and express their feelings of love and gratitude in person.
I remember it like it was yesterday, when I wrestled with COVID-19 and finally consented to be taken to the hospital, as I sat in the car somewhat feeble and trembling with the chills, I was no longer praying for healing. My fervent prayer then was that they would not have to keep me. I think what bothered my mind the most was that I would be completely cut off from all my family and loved ones, if I had to be hospitalized.
It was however, worse than I expected. As soon as my wife hit the entrance door, they told her she couldn’t come in. So, there I was all alone, immediately cut off from my loved ones and the outside world – alone in a strange environment, on a hospital bed, in a hospital room, sternly cautioned not to leave the room, hurriedly strapped up to the cold medical gadgets and what have you – Alone!
As I reflected on this experience, Jesus’ words in John 16:32 become more impactful and meaningful to me. May it also speak with renewed authority to all our mothers and to any who may be experiencing any type of loneliness, isolation and alienation today.
Here, Jesus transparently spoke about the dreaded hour of loneliness that He was about to face. He said the hour is come when all of his beloved community would be scattered from him, leaving him utterly alone (v32). He told them about it, but more importantly He told Himself. He was preparing Himself, bracing Himself not only for Calvary, but also for the dreaded hour when He would be literally forsaken by all – to agonize and suffer, all by Himself, alone. In a moment of candid vulnerability he graphically states “… every man to his own and shall leave me alone …” (John 16:32).
The more we ponder the passage, is the more we realize that Jesus was not only speaking about Himself as much as He was depicting the experience of all humanity. We all get there or must get there, whether we are conscious of it or not, when all shall leave us, or we shall leave all, and we shall become all alone. Is that not one of the inconvenient truths of this COVID-19 pandemic?
However, what really saves the day for me is what Jesus quickly says next. Instead of being deflated and crushed by the frightening thoughts of loneliness, Jesus readily preaches to Himself by saying in no uncertain terms “… and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me” (John 16:32).
May we do in like manner! Counter the nightmare of loneliness with the absolutely irresistible, unchangeable truth of the promise of the divine presence of the Father. Especially to all our precious mothers all across this Northeast Region and beyond, on this Mother’s Day 2021 – never let the devil deceive and depress you into thinking that you are all alone. Please say and know like Jesus you may be Alone yet not Alone! Forsaken by all but never by Him! Happy Mother’s Day!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional Bishop – Northeast Region
May 08, 2021
H————————————————————————————————H
PLEASE NOTE
In collaboration with our District Overseers, the Church of God of Prophecy submits to the wisdom of continuing to ‘Shelter in Place’ for the safety and protection of the flock. This is to be observed until further notice and the present virus is better contained. Should the need arise to meet, we are advised to meet in groups of no more than 10, while we strictly observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of masks and aggressive sanitizing of our hands and surfaces frequently touched.
Please let us patiently observe these practices to keep each other safe and alive. We are reminded that we are indeed our brother’s keeper. Stay home! Stay Healthy! Stay Hopeful! We shall soon get through this! Premature re-openings of our churches seem not to be the wisest way to go at this point. Let us continue to pray, caring for each other and staying connected.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional Presiding Bishop — Northeast Region
