Love thy neighbor . . . in other words, wear a mask!
Dear Friends in Christ,
Yesterday as I was making my way into the grocery store during senior hours, I found myself on a collision course with another couple, so I backed off to ensure social distancing. The husband of the couple turned to me, smiled, and gave me a thumbs up. Then he turned back to me and said, "Sir, the Bible or Jesus says nothing will harm you; that mask you are wearing won't keep you safe." I replied, "Sir, I'm a bishop of the Episcopal Church and I am well aware of what the Bible says. I don't wear this mask to keep myself safe, I wear it to keep others safe because if I am infected, this mask helps prevent spread of the virus. It's one way I love my neighbor." He looked at me and said, "Wow, that is something to think about."
I share this story with you for two reasons. One, it is a reminder to always be ready to share the hope that is in us. Secondly, when we do go back to in-person worship, the wearing of masks will be required. New studies show that if 80% of Americans had started wearing masks early in the pandemic the number of infections would have been significantly reduced. This still holds true.
I share with you the words one rector, the Rev. Greg Brown of Holy Comforter, Charlotte, North Carolina, wrote to his parishioners. He titled it 1 Covidians 12:1-11:
Now concerning the wearing of masks, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that in the time before COVID, we were enticed and led astray thinking that we were not responsible for one another's health. Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking in the spirit of love ever says 'masks be cursed!'; and no one can say 'masks are a really good idea for everybody!' except through a spirit of love.
Now there are varieties of masks, but the same spirit of wearing them; and there are varieties of mask wearers, but the same virus; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same precautions that must be shown to everyone.
To each is given a manifestation of a mask for the common good. To one a mask is given through our mask makers, and to another a purchased one online, or in a store according to the same spirit of protection. Some fashion one after watching a video on YouTube, to another... they already had some. The knowledge of needing to wear one according to the same spirit, to another faith that the same spirit will improve health and save lives.
Another receives the gifts of healing by this generous spirit, to another this seems no less than the working of a miracle, another prophecies that we'll get through all of this sooner by observing these loving precautions, to another the discernment of figuring out how all can get one, to another the knowledge that a mask hides all kinds of mouths and tongues, to another the understanding that those mouths and tongues are still there, behind those masks.
All these are activated by one and the same spirit, and we hope to allot to each one individually just as they choose.
In other words, wear a mask!
We are called at all times to love our neighbor. Jesus states this plainly when he tells us that loving our neighbor is like to the first and great commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength.
We are Christians for times such as these. God will continue to give us all we need to fulfill this call. Ask and you shall receive.
In Christ's service,
The Rt. Rev. Steven A. Miller
Bishop of Milwaukee