Moving toward Jesus in Quarantine
Susan Oxley of Seattle, WA, USA
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” -John 12:1-8
The pandemic has changed us, both individually and as a community. The obvious changes include social distancing, mask-wearing, coping with isolation and loneliness, loss of loved ones to quarantine, sickness, and death. But there are other, more subtle changes, and lessons learned.
A month before the pandemic hit, I developed shingles in my eye, forehead, and scalp. Unable to bear light, I lived in darkened rooms without TV, computer, or books. Although able to perform basic tasks like cooking and cleaning, there was little else I could manage with my diminished eyesight and constant pain. Audio books and music provided my only entertainment. Meditation and mindfulness became my solace.
Drawing on the spiritual practices I had learned in classes and worship, I used solitude to focus on God’s presence with me in the darkness. Unable to read resources for study or access computer classes about “Moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One,” I created my own journey of prayer, contemplation, and remembrance.
I learned to listen in the silence without expectation. I paced my apartment in mindfulness. I began to sense God’s presence with me in small things: the wind against the building, a ray of sun against which I had to shield my eyes, the sound of voices passing my door. Overwhelming gratitude for the gift of life sustained me in the absence of activities no longer available. Focused breathing brought release from pain and a deep calm for sleeping. I learned the patience which comes from suffering, and the trust which assures us things will change. Prayer became a loyal companion.
Today, with eyesight restored, I watch TV news, participate in Zoom meetings and online worship, write, and edit for World Church, and enjoy the exuberance of my grandchildren. The shingles pain is minimal, a tiny part of life. My blessings overflow. The peace of Christ which I found in darkness now illumines my days. Yes, there are still times I get anxious or depressed by the world-but my journey toward Christ’s peace continues. I walk in God’s grace, blessed and filled with gratitude.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Gospel Contemplation (Mark 11:1-11)
Each week during Lent, you are invited to pray with a different gospel story from the life of Christ. Use your senses and imagination to enter the text. Allow it to come to life in you, observing details, noticing interactions, even engaging in dialogue. Notice where you find yourself in the story and how you feel about what is happening. Notice what it evokes in you or invites of you. Take time to journal or enter silent prayer to reflect on your experience and to sense where the Spirit may be leading you through this scriptural encounter.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
