Thoughts and Prayers

“We can’t have thoughts and prayers being public policy,”

While speaking about the death of a 13 year-old Brampton girl yesterday, a government spokesperson said ‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this young girl.‘ Later that same day however an infectious diseases doctor responded on TV to that comment by saying “We can’t have thoughts and prayers being public policy, Action is what is needed!”

Emily’s father was an essential worker in Brampton and brought the virus home, Emily became infected and died. These same doctors had been calling for weeks for paid sick leave so that workers can afford to stay home when not feeling well and still be able to put food on the table... calling for weeks without any action being taken by the government. That lack of action had led to Emily’s death as well as the deaths of countless others here in Ontario. Hence this doctor’s statement.

Jesus, who John Dominic Crossan called a radical Jewish peasant, could never be accused of letting ‘thoughts and prayers‘ take the place of action. Indeed in Matthew 10 (MSG) he sent his disciples out into the world, calling for action with these words, “kick out evil spirits and tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives... Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighbourhood...Bring health to the sick...You have been treated generously, so live generously.”

Yes, ‘thought and prayers’ have their place. But ‘thought and prayers’ without accompanying action are not what we see in the stories of the life of Jesus. The actions we can each take are as varied as the people reading this. You might join or instigate a March or demonstration. Collect signatures on a letter asking for paid sick leave for all workers to send to the provincial government. Give financial support to charities. Become active in the next provincial election rallying voters to use the ballot box to protest the actions or the lack of action of this government during this pandemic.

What you CAN’T do if you call yourself a Christian is only offer ‘thought and prayers’.

Great commission

Comments

Judy ImrieApril 30, 2021 at 1:31 PM
"Faith without works is dead," the book of James declares down through the years so it would follow, I think, that prayers without action may well be too...especially if and when we are called upon to be the facilitators of what we are praying for. Thoughts form prayers and prayers proceed action, granting guidance beyond ourselves to create sound policy that God wants to bless us all with. Prayer and science together can be a very powerful force if united to fight this common enemy we all face. Once again Lynn, well written and thought provoking. Thank-you!!

Judy Imrie
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