Urban Way of the Cross: Physically Separated, Still a Community

Let’s stay spiritually connected while social distancing. Let’s remain grounded in faith, guided by the Spirit, and directed towards hope. We will continue to rise above the challenging times... -Loyola University, New Orleans

We have been asked to engage in social distancing during the current outbreak of COVID-19. This has forced us to abandon our traditional ways of practicing community. We have walked together, we have held hands during prayers, we have hugged and kissed each other on the cheek. Social distancing precludes all these practices.

Therefore, our traditional Good Friday Urban Way of the Cross in Albuquerque will not follow its usual format. Instead of walking on the streets of downtown to offer witness about the many ways in which we failed to follow the teachings of Jesus to love our neighbor, we will offer witness through social media.

Stay tuned for a series of reflections that we will post on this site on Holy Week. 

In the meantime, we offer these reflections to help us ponder, pray and hold each other in solidarity.

As always, those who are in poverty, those suffering from illness, immigrants, and/or refugees are the most likely to be severely impacted. These are, obviously, all groups of people Jesus calls on us to protect in Matthew 25 — always a core Gospel text for us that clearly relates to this growing health threat...Each of us has a personal responsibility to each other: to be prepared and to do what we can to minimize transmission of this virus.  -Rev. Jim Wallis, Sojourners

We are in the midst of a highly teachable moment. There’s no doubt that this period will be referred to for the rest of our lifetimes. We have a chance to go deep, and to go broad. Globally, we’re in this together. Depth is being forced on us by great suffering, which as I like to say, always leads to great love. -Father Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation

In times of national uncertainty, with all the unknowns about COVID-19 spread, there are a few things about which we can be certain.

That our prayers for God’s power, protection and presence are with those on the front lines of public health leadership and those who are isolated, sick or fearful.

That our nation has an essential role to play in public policy decisions that shape the health, security and well-being of people, throughout this country and the world, and that our vigilance and advocacy are required to hold our leaders accountable.

That as the ELCA we will not stand by when people are scapegoated, attacked or targeted based on race or ethnicity, which today means solidarity and presence with Asian and Pacific Americans and their communities.

That in Lent God invites us to renewal of faith and life, and at this moment of fear and uncertainty the church is charged with witnessing to a liberating spirituality that includes repentance, resistance and hope.  -Rev. Amy Reumann, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)