Redeemer Lutheran & St. Theodore’s

By Lisa Rotchford

Reverend

A daily prayer known throughout the history of the Christian church is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” It is known as the Shema from Deuteronomy in the Old Testament and Jesus’ Great Commandment from the New Testament (Deuteronomy 6:1-19; Mark 12:28-34, Matthew 22:34-40, and Luke 10:25-28).

When we are challenged by an invisible virus, our call is to respond with all of our being — our heart, our mind, our soul and our strength — and make our invisible faith visible through our faith, hope and love.

But sometimes our hearts grow weary and our spirits sag. The Psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

To strengthen our hearts and spirits, remember Jesus words from John 16:33: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Sometimes our minds get overwhelmed. Look for clarity as Jesus told us “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).

Sometimes our souls need to be reminded what Isaiah speaks to those of us of a certain age, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:4).

Though many of us are called to be isolated during this quarantined time, remember you are never alone. Love the Lord your God with all you heart, mind, soul and strength and “you will live!” (Luke 10:28)