Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has joined other faith leaders in calling for a national day of mourning and lament on June 1 as the United States exceeds 100,000 documented deaths from COVID-19, and he invites Episcopalians to commemorate the victims during worship services this weekend.
I had a hard time finding a picture of him not being joyful.
We’re all watching church online these days which is already sad enough. All during the Season of Easter we’ve been sitting at home singing our alleluias.
How can we commemorate over 100,000 dead? If we started on Friday and read each one’s name and tolled a bell we couldn’t get it done.
And Monday, the first day of a new month, is to be a day of mourning and lament. I haven’t been to a funeral or memorial service in years that was not dressed up to be a “celebration of life.” We haven’t been allowed to lament or mourn in a very long time.
What will we do? Rend our clothes? Rub ashes on ourselves? Keen? We are so out of practice. Besides, we are Episcopalians. We haven’t a clue.
Art knows what to do.
And music.
Dona eis requiem
Sempiternam
Requiem
Nice post! I think its amazing and wonderful that great art and great music can produce joy in the midst of suffering and sadness.
Yes. Sometimes words cannot express, joy or grief, what art and music can. I always try to be an optimistic Pollyanna which I know people find annoying. Now, I think we need to validate each other’s grief. I hope you and yours are keeping well and safe.