The turning of seasons has revealed new life sprouting around Jackson County.
Outside of viewing the budding perennials, springtime offers a chance to reflect on the start of the new year. It gives us an opportunity to look forward to what’s to come, as daylight extends into what was the cold winter night.
On this day each year, as a part of Holy Week, millions of Christians around the globe recognize Good Friday, anticipating the grand celebration of Easter Sunday.
Easter, the day of salvation, brings hope of new life, reminding followers that brokenness can be healed and even the greatest of wrongs can be righted.
At this time in the world, all creeds can agree that hope’s a powerful tool needed in everyday lives.
Disease is plaguing the globe, suffocating parts of our society with its terrible reach. COVID-19, a virus that doesn’t discriminate by age, race, or gender. It has taken our livelihoods hostage with no regard.
Many parishioners have struggled with the idea of not physically attending church this weekend, but alternative forms of worship are in place for virtually every church in the area.
New platforms have been established by church heads, utilizing the digital world to connect the physical and spiritual ones. Churches are offering online services, recognizing both the importance of continuing to serve their attendees while also adhering to safe practices.
On Monday, State Health Commissioner Kristina Box and Gov. Eric Holcomb both expressed the importance of not gathering in large groups, as the number of cases and deaths have exploded in Indiana in a short time. Holcomb was asked if he would consider lifting the ban of gatherings for Easter, and he said he wouldn’t despite some other states taking that initiative.
Put bluntly, Holcomb told reporters that the virus doesn’t care about holidays.
This isn’t an issue of church and state, but of public health. Rights aren’t being infringed upon: the government isn’t trying to take religion away from us.
Most religious institutions believe the church is a body, not a building. Now is the time to prove that’s the case.
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