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Diocesan Meditations

May 9: Members of One Another

5/9/2020

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By the Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr.,
Visiting Bishop for the Diocese of South Carolina


In these recent days, we are being shown how interconnected and interdependent we are in this world. The sudden global pandemic has made us aware how what any one of us does can affect many others. We have seen this applies not just to individuals but also to nations, states, and cities. The world is a luminous, yet fragile, web of relationships.

As we look toward more “re-opening” of our society and eventually the churches, we need to take this to heart. We must think interdependently, not just individually. There is a vintage Peanuts cartoon strip that shows Snoopy lying contentedly on the top of his doghouse, saying “I am so glad to be independent.” A big bone is then tossed in front of his house. He says, “Well, maybe semi-independent.”

One of our besetting human sins is to think mostly of ourselves: my needs, my wants, my rights, my independence. “Natural” though it may be, this is not an adequate way to live. Our faith’s most significant contribution to human moral wellbeing has always been the emphasis on our responsibility to care for each other.

St. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “we are members of one another.” To the Philippians he stressed: “Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” He describes this mind as one of loving concern and self-giving for the other. Learning to live as members of one another is the great revolution of life with which our faith challenges us.

John Donne wrote, “No man is an Island, intire of itselfe; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the maine;…any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.” The Christian moral vision has never been better expressed. In these present days, it should be written over each of our doorsteps.

When we are advised to keep safe distances between each other and to wear masks in public places—as much as we may prefer not to—let us take this moral vision to heart. When we consider what to purchase, let us remember what others need as well. “Me first” thinking will not see us safely through this pandemic. Looking to the interests of others is the good and right way. In so doing we contribute to the safety of our neighbors and our society, and finally ourselves.

There is an old rabbinic story that when God created the universe his divine light was placed into special celestial containers. Things did not go according to plan, as humanity turned in on ourselves. The vessels were broken and the universe became filled with sparks of divine light. The task of creation would not be complete until those sparks were gathered together. Each of us is given some of these sparks. The rabbis called putting them to use “Tikkum Olam,” the repair of the world.

This is a time for gathering the sparks. We are all involved in Mankind.
​

The Rt. Rev. Henry Nutt Parsley, Jr.
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    Meditations

    During the uncertain times created by the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, leadership of the diocese will send out regular meditations on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for the next while as we all adjust to a new chapter of living and being the Church.

    ​The Archdeacon, The Venerable Calhoun Walpole, will share a meditation each Wednesday; The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Visiting Bishop for our Diocese, will offer a meditation each Saturday; and the Rev. Cn. Caleb Lee, President of the Standing Committee, will share a reflection each Monday.

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Our Vision
    • Find a Church
    • Deaneries
    • The Bishop >
      • Messages from Bishop Woodliff-Stanley
    • Clergy & Staff >
      • Clergy in Good Standing
      • Clergy and Transition Ministries
    • Governance >
      • Constitution & Canons
      • Convention
      • Boards and Committees >
        • Standing Committee
        • Diocesan Council
        • Trustees of the Diocese
        • Deputies to General Convention
        • Commission on Ministry
        • Liturgical Commission
        • Visioning Committee
        • University of the South Trustees
        • Other Boards and Committees
    • Historical Timeline
    • FAQ
  • Ministry
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Diocesan Meditations
    • Outreach
    • Grants for Congregations
    • Administrative Resources
    • Clergy Resources
    • Liturgy & Worship >
      • Liturgical Commission >
        • Bishop Guerry
      • Marriage
      • The Lectionary
      • The Book of Common Prayer
      • Brother, Give Us A Word (SSJE)
      • Daily Prayer: Forward Movement
    • Education & Formation >
      • Adults
      • College Ministry
      • Youth
      • Children
    • Church Connections >
      • The Episcopal Church >
        • Province IV
      • The Anglican Communion
      • Anglicans Online >
        • The Society of Archbishop Justus
      • Daughters of the King
      • Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
      • Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross
      • Order of St. Helena
    • Ecumenical & Interfaith >
      • Racial Justice & Reconciliation
      • Fellowship of SC Bishops/Public Education Initiative
      • Charleston Area Justice Ministry
      • Christian Jewish Council
      • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Communication and Evangelism >
      • Carolina Grace
      • Social Media Sunday
      • Mission Matters Videos
  • News
    • News Blog
    • 80th General Convention 2022 >
      • 80th General Convention Blog
    • Events Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Lent 2023
    • Sacred Ground 2022
    • Responding to COVID-19
    • Email Newsletter
    • Episcopal News Service
    • Anglican Communion News
  • Giving
  • Convention
    • 232nd Diocesan Convention
  • Contact Us
    • Get in touch
    • Make a donation
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    • News Submission