Silent Song

Silent Song

I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever...

But,

We're not supposed to sing.

Our sanctuaries are quiet,

either because we are not there,

or because so few of us can be there,

and those who are there cannot sing.

And yet,

We know of your steadfast love, O God,

and our silence is evidence

that we love our neighbor.

Our absence is our witness

that your love has changed us.

Forever.

With my mouth, I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.

But,

Our mouths are covered by masks,

and we are not with each other.

How can we proclaim your faithfulness

to our empty rooms?

And yet,

We know of your faithfulness, O God,

Our masks are evidence of the faithfulness

you show to us and teach us.

We stand apart, with the trust that your faithfulness

will take what we can offer

and change it to proclamations of your love.

To all generations.

I declare that your steadfast love is established forever;

your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.

Your children declare it with their masks,

with their distance,

with their absence.

They declare it through Zoom, and the telephone.

They proclaim with their donations to feed people

and with their smiling eyes at the store.

They tell of your love

with silenced song,

with virtual teaching,

with online worship,

and with missed communion.

And best of all, God is with us.

Inspired by Psalm 89:1-2