In 242, the Roman Empire faced a plague, one that would come to be known as St. Cyprian’s. That’s because the best descriptions come from the writings of the saint, a bishop, and eventual martyr in Carthage. Cyprian wrote about the plague because it was Christians who were on the front lines. While the pagans abandoned family and friends, Christians were different. Bravely they served, caring for the sick and dying. And, of course, they were not immune, although because of their pastoral attention, Christians did have a higher survival rate. But it was their courage and sacrificial attitude that inspired, bringing many to the faith.
Forward a millennium to Martin Luther who, in 1517, with his pregnant wife organized a Christian response to the plague that included quarantining–a unique response at the time. We Episcopalians even have such heroes in our own church. In Memphis, Tennessee a memorial altar is still in use, dedicated to the memory of Constance and her companions, also known as the Martyrs of Memphis, Anglican nuns and priests who stayed to minister to the victims of a yellow fever epidemic in 1878.
Don’t worry–go thou and do likewise is not the Christian response for our day. With modern hospitals and sanitation, the last thing that is needed are a bunch of do-gooders sacrificing themselves to practice amateur medicine. Still, the contrast is remarkable. Christians are drawing attention, but not for their sacrificial service, but for their loud, self-centered demands. Asked to join a social movement of isolation, Christians are headed to court demanding to be an exception to the rules about group gatherings. “How can we help?” doesn’t seem to be the Christian question. What is going on?
Do we believe that Jesus demonstrates the way to live? Now would be the perfect time to act like his followers.
Have the followers of Jesus forgotten what Jesus himself said and did, how he came to serve and to sacrifice? Do we no longer believe that his way of giving is the way of life? The current crisis, like the plagues and epidemics of the past, is an opportunity for Christians to act like Christ. It is a chance for outsiders to see how vital an organization the church is and how beautiful the Christian life is. Certainly such examples are being offered. Cathedrals are serving as hospitals. Christians continue to serve the homeless, look after neighbors, and many work as health professionals, at great risk to themselves. They may not get the press, but they are the real story.
In this, they are acting like Christ. Jesus did not spend time talking about rights–it’s not a concept he mentions at all. He was concerned about how we care for the vulnerable, “the least of these” who have no power for demanding attention. His message never wavers: the first shall be last, the servant is the greatest, in losing our lives we will find them. Focused on our rights, we’re looking the wrong way. Focused on service–we will see Christ.
We don’t need the government to label churches an essential business, we just need to act like it.
As we stay at home, doing our part to serve the common good, how are we demonstrating the joy and beauty of the Christian life? What are we doing to show faith in this time? Can we reach out to our neighbors? Can we provide calm in the face of anxiety, or simply make connections in a time of loneliness? There are many ways to proclaim the Good News of Christ with our lives–we don’t have to be saints and martyrs. We do have to take the focus off ourselves, our rights and inconveniences, and on our concern for the vulnerable and hurting. No one is stopping us from praying–that we can do alone, and–as we are discovering to our amazement and the Holy Spirit’s delight–online.
This crisis presents us with an incredible opportunity to proclaim, in word and deed, the Good News of Christ. People are watching us–that hasn’t happened for awhile! Let’s be sure that when they do, they see something different, something of Christ. A group turned inward, demanding that the situation revolves around them–there’s nothing new in that. A community behaving generously, offering peace and hope wherever they are needed–that would be worth a second look. Let’s not waste the crisis. Whatever we choose to do, let’s make those choices look like Jesus.