The One Whom You Love Is Ill
Be Socially Aware And Spiritually Alive
by Eric Elkin
"Lord, the one whom you love is ill." These words speak differently to me today than any other time in my life. They speak to me in a way healthy people can never fully understand. I never realized that because I've always been healthy.
Yesterday, I had an "Ah-ha" moment. After filming a message to the congregation, I packed up my things from the office and headed home. On the way home, I realized I am part of the vulnerable population. The Center for Disease Control has been warning people like me about COVID-19. Until that moment in the car, I didn't think they were talking about me.
This fall, out of the blue, I developed allergy-induced asthma. These last couple of weeks, I have been walking in the woods every morning and afternoon. The problem is I am allergic to grass and trees. The warmer it gets, the more my asthma acts up. There have been days where simply breathing was difficult.
Asthma does not make me more likely to get the coronavirus. It increases the impact of it. According to the CDC website, "People with asthma may be at higher risk of getting very sick…and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease." In laymen's terms, If I were to get the virus, it would lead to greater complications than healthy people.
When I came home, Peggy was sitting on the couch watching the birds. I told her about my revelation. She replied, "I was trying to think of a way to talk to you about that." Then we sat down to plan our strategy for isolating ourselves from each other in our own house.
The conversation was very pragmatic. We are fortunate to have an apartment in our basement. Peggy hates the basement. My office is in the basement, along with my classic Nintendo. We will be fine. The depth of concern did not really hit me, though, until later that night.
My wife, my daughter, and my son all work in the medical field. Each of them has spent the last two weeks working with and around sick people. Not necessarily with COVID-19 patients, but then again, do they know? This means they are more likely to be exposed to the virus than the rest of the population. Can you see where this is going?
I am vulnerable to the virus. The people I am most vulnerable to are the people whom I love. My fear is not entirely about getting sick. Although, I do fear it more than I care to admit. My more significant concern is putting my wife and children in a position that they might ever feel they gave me the virus. That is the burden I now carry, and it makes me ill.
"Lord, the one whom you love is ill." And he is not alone.
Yesterday as I concluded my walk, a group of young men was playing basketball. Each was wearing a mask and gloves. The more they played, the more they sweat. Eventually, they shed their feeble attempts to protect themselves. I watched them and wondered how many people whom they love have asthma? And, do they know their impact on them?
I do not share my story with you for empathy, although I would not mind your prayers. I share it for educational purposes. We are living in a specific context where we need to think about more than ourselves. Social isolation may save more than yourself. It may save the one whom you love.
There is a promise in the story of Lazarus that should speak to all of us, healthy or not. When Lazarus emerges out of the tomb, Jesus commands them to, "Untie him and let him go." These are the words that speak directly to the burden I carry. They concern your burdens as well. I know Jesus has the power to untie them and let them go. It is what Easter is all about.
Click to read John 11: 1-45
Reflection Questions:
How well you changed your daily living this past week?
What do you yearn to do even though you know it is not safe?
How much have you thought about the impact of your actions on others?
What can you do to show you care for people at risk?