Not a Martha Moment, But a Cyprian MomentMarch 26, 2020 • The Rev. Gregory O. Brewer  • DIOCESAN FAMILY • LEADERSHIP

Fifth Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Lectionary A

Ezekiel 37:1-14
Romans 8:6-11
John 11:1-45
Psalm 130

In this Sunday’s Gospel (John 11:1-45), we are presented with the familiar story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  When Jesus visits Lazarus’s sister Martha at the tomb after Lazarus’s death, Martha in her grief cries out, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21).  Similarly, in this time of coronavirus uncertainty, we can claim that if God were present people would not be contracting the virus, losing their jobs or facing a myriad other hardships.  I refer to this kind of response as a “Martha Moment”.  
 
In juxtaposition to a “Martha Moment”, I talk in my homily about Cyprian, who served as bishop ca. 250 A.D. in what is now modern day Tunisia during the time of a deadly plague which afflicted the Roman Empire.  Rather than blame God for this horrible plague, Cyprian encouraged his people to use the opportunity to share with others the hope and promise of eternal life.  This fearless, outward-focused response is what I refer to as a “Cyprian Moment”.  
 
Cyprian and other Christian leaders like him have faced epidemics like the COVID-19 coronavirus throughout history.  To learn more about this topic, I strongly encourage you watch “Epidemics: How the Church Has Responded through History”, a free webinar led by Dr. Philip Jenkins.  You can access the webinar at this link.
 
I believe that we have two choices in how we react to the current COVID-19 situation.  We can either have a “Martha Moment”, reacting with blame and fear or, instead, we can have a “Cyprian Moment”, reaching out to serve and minister to those in need.
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.   Amen.  
 
Grace to you,
 
Bishop Gregory O. Brewer