The Liturgical worship on Sundays!

We enter the third week, since the regulation on not holding public worship in a common place is in force. This might go for another three or more weeks. In fact, the congregational worship might not be possible even ding the Holy Week in April.

The congregational liturgical worship is a bonding ritual to affirm the faith of the believers.  Many would miss it without any substitute for it. Even meeting together of neighbours for prayer or worship is not permitted in order to break the chain of transmission of corona virus infection. The Calcutta Carey Baptist church held an online Sunday morning service under the leadership of Rev.Anand, last Sunday. 

Is there a substitute for corporate worship!

Perhaps, No! 

But historically there were other ways which believers used to continue their faith journey! In fact people in the communist countries were denied to possess a Bible of their own. No public gathering was permitted in some countries until recently. They memorised the Biblical text and it was a tradition to recite them so that people could write and read it to remember them. 

Our Christian traditions and rituals would need re-visitation! First of all, some church building are edifices that stand prominently in public space, which in itself is a contrarian witness to a simple life time practice of faith in the life of Jesus of Nazareth ! The dispute over church buildings in the recent past between factions in the church caused disruption of Sunday worship services. 

In my life time, it is the first time, on account of an external factor, all public gatherings are prohibited in the church premises. 

I wonder how the pastors and Bishops are reaching out to the congregations at a time such as this ! Except telephonic contacts, texting video-calls, mailing, on-line liturgical services, etc.  no other form of physical contact is possible with the congregation. It is at a time such as this all of us wait eagerly to observe the creative response of the organised church to continue its pastoral vocation of caring for its fold. 

An ecclesiastical shepherd in Christian tradition is in the lineage of the Great Shepherd, who practiced the calling of 'finding the lost sheep'! 

I wonder whether an alternative to a public worship would emerge and pastoral care of the members  of a  congregation would become even more personal in difficult times!  

Is the church on the side of the grieving people! Are we feeling the pain of those displaced, hospitalised, quarantined, living in transit accommodation, ...etc.!

If we feel that pain, how are  we to express it!

The Kerala government is calling for volunteers to help in distributing food, groceries and be involved in a supporting role to help people in need ! I would have thought that the Church leadership would be already in the forefront helping physically, financially, and emotionally!

Are the pastors of congregations aware of those sick or in quarantine or health workers working in hospitals looking after those suffering from corona infection! What about children in our congregations who would normally have  had vacation Bible school during the summer recess! 

It is unimaginable that children are home bound for three weeks during their summer recess! It is utterly contrary to their physical and emotional needs. They were looking forward to the school holidays! Is there a group already formed in every congregation to stay in touch with parents and children to give them an alternate engagement plan! When families live in crowded houses and have limited resources to get indoor games, board games, etc, won't children be forced to have unlimited TV or screen time! Is it good for their mental and emotional health! A child called to tell me that his foot ball coaching, trekking to Nilgiri mountains, a beach Scripture Union camp and a family holiday travel are dislocated. 'How am I to spend the next three months'!

Should not the church facilitate the principals of schools and colleges to stay in touch with the teachers and their families and  offer to be supportive if they are under stress!

The liturgical worship is suspended. Let the church leadership find new ways to 'feed the sheep', which was what was committed to St. Peter when Jesus was with the disciples after the resurrection !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)