Keep Calm and a Mask On

by Rev. Eric Folkerth

"In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes."
Judges 21:25

I keep thinking back to this chilling final verse of the Book of Judges as I think about Governor Abbott’s decision this week.

This verse describes a kind of vacuum of spiritual and civic leadership that was truly dangerous to People of Israel. They, as of yet, had no king. And while kings would turn out to be problematic in their own right, at least with centralized leadership —with some kind of rules everyone had to follow— life under a king was predictable.

This was not so during the time of the Judges. Yes, the Judges themselves were fair, just, and compassionate leaders. But it was also the case that the twelve tribes of Israel fought amongst each other with ferocity. Every tribe had its own rules and customs, and those were often at odds with one another.

I am not a huge fan of centralized leadership. But during a time of pandemic, I am. And so I am concerned with Governor Abbott’s easing of mask restrictions, and opening of Texas business to “100%.”

People are asking what Kessler Park UMC will do in response. The short answer is: Nothing.

We will continue with our plan of moving toward gradual opening, as I have previously discussed with you.

It seems reasonable to assume that by Palm Sunday we might gather for “outdoor worship” again (still with masks, of course…).

It seems reasonable to assume that we’ll continue with outdoor worship until we can’t stand the heat.

And then, it seems reasonable that we might return to sanctuary worship sometime over the summer…assuming we are still masking and requiring social distance.

I hope this seems like a reasonable and hopeful plan to you. As with everything else for the past year, it’s a plan. We will see what the science says.

I wish the Governor had done that. According to reports, he failed to consult with three out of four of his own medical advisors…advisors he promised to consult with before any decisions.

Further, by opening “100%” but also encouraging folks to still wear masks (not require) he’s effectively pushed back the leadership on this question to each local business, each family, each church. That is not leadership. 

That is “everyone doing what is right in their own eyes.” That is precisely the kind of chaos present at the end of the age of the Judges.

So, we will stick with OUR plan, and deal with our disappointment that the Governor couldn’t just wait a little longer. Even a month or six weeks more with a mask mandate. I hope this decision isn’t deadly to Texans. I fear that it will be.

In the meantime, we will work our plan in faith and hope.

If you are vaccinated, or comfortable with masks and social distance, start thinking now about how and when you might join us for outdoor worship when we resume that in a few weeks.

In the meantime, keep the faith, and keep loving your neighbor, and yourself, by continuing to wear your mask.

Grace and Peace,

Eric Folkerth