An article from the Cathedral Times
by Dean Sam Candler
“Thank you!” For me, those are the most important words of this week, Holy Week in the year 2020, the year of the Pandemic. Thank you. Not “thank you!” to the virus, of course! But “Thank You” to you, the faithful parishioners and friends and wider community of the Cathedral of St. Philip.
Thank you for staying strong and safe. Thank you for staying connected to each other! Thank you for staying connected to the various opportunities and messages and services of the Cathedral. Thank you for reaching out to the clergy and staff of the Cathedral! Thank you for continuing your meetings and disciplines and commitments (in social distance!).
Many of you have reached out with offers to help. Some of you have contributed extra money in this time. Some of you have increased your pledges! Thank you! You have been caring and thoughtful and generous and faithful people of God.
Thank you to incredibly brave medical caregivers! Thank you to so many grocery store suppliers and cashiers and workers! Thank you to the truck drivers! Thank you to the delivery persons! Thank you to the bankers and elected representatives! Thank you to the restaurant workers, too. Thank you to police officers and public safety officials. Thank you. Thank you, whoever you are, you person of good faith and good will!
Thank you to those of you who smile at each other, as we walk down the street (in social distance!). Thank you for your internal patience and faith. Thank you for staying calm in your crowded households. Thank you for giving the people who live with you a break. Thank you for spreading peace.
Yes, the virus is contagious, as we recognized in the beginning. But there are so many more powerful things that are more contagious! Peace is contagious! Love is contagious! Patience is contagious! Thank you for spreading love and patience in this time! Thanks itself is contagious! Give thanks to someone this week!
This Holy Week ends this Sunday with Easter. Wherever we are, separated as we are, we will be together in Christ. We will be one in the Body of Christ. On Sunday, I intend to give thanks for the glory of God shining in you, God’s people of power and new life!
The Very Reverend Sam Candler
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip