Brethren, ladies, and friends of Myrtle Lodge,
We live in an unusual time. For Christians in the West, today is Maundy Thursday, and we are in the midst of Holy Week. For Jews it is the beginning of Passover. This is usually a season for family, friends and reflection, but in this time of social distancing the former two may be in short supply, and those of us who aren’t on the front lines fighting this pandemic may be feeling an abundance of the later. Your otherwise busy life may have just slowed dramatically, and the religious services that usually mark this season have been canceled in person. Governor Whitmer announced today that the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order will continue until at least May 1st, and for many of us that’s not welcome news.
So, what do we do with this time? Well for starters, if you’re working right now, do your best to stay safe, but if you’re at home, furloughed or otherwise, my advice is to not obsess over your time at home. There is a temptation to believe that this unexpected free time means that you should take on some herculean task, or else you haven’t made the best of it. That’s setting yourself up for failure. My suggestion is to first, take a moment to relax, enjoy the slowness of this time if you’re able, and to then do what you can to embody the lesson of Maundy Thursday.
The Last Supper (1886), by Fritz von Uhde
Maundy Thursday receives its name from the mandatum (commandment) in the Bible given by Jesus Christ: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). We should emulate that great lesson and do what we can to help those around us. Maybe that means doing some shopping for those who cannot go themselves or helping with your neighbor’s lawn given landscaping services are closed. At the lodge we put up white ribbons to show support for medical professionals on the front lines of this pandemic, and you can do the same.
As you may have seen in the paper we have decided to continue our Food Drives as part of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and we have a Food Drive coming up on April 21st. If we needed help from younger members before we certainly need it now that the pandemic is reaching its peak. These are all ways we can help love one another.
My last bit of advice is to stay connected. I enjoyed toasting with all of you last week and invite you all to reach out if there is anything you need, or you just need to chat. This pandemic is affecting us all in different ways, and if you need help in any way, that’s what we’re here for. It is our job to be whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrow, to whom distress may proffer its suit, whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence.
With that said I hope this season brings you joy despite the crisis, and I look forward to when we can meet again.
Stay safe, stay healthy and Godspeed.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Brandon Mullins
Worshipful Master
Myrtle Lodge No. 89, F&AM