Dying in Community

One of the many tragedies of COVID-19 is that people are dying alone.

At the end, we would like those we love and those who love us to be there.

What we have taken for granted, has been taken from us.

While these are difficult truths, they are important to acknowledge as we seek to live honesty and bravely during this pandemic.

My Prayer:

For comfort and courage for those who are dying alone today and for those who would like to be with loved ones who are dying, I pray.

Invitation to Prayer:

Remember a time that someone important to you died. If you or someone that person loved was able to be with them, give thanks. Pray for the medical teams who are currently working near those who are dying without loved ones at their side.

Scriptural Touchstone:
In a moment they die;
at midnight the people are shaken and pass away,
and the mighty are taken away by no human hand.
Job 34:20 NRSV

Images

These images are of the death of Jesus’s mother, Mary, who was surrounded by the disciples of Christ and women mourners (in each side panel). They are near the bottom of the Glorification of the Virgin stained glass window at Chartres Cathedral in France (1205-15).

To Understand the Image Better
Death of the Virgin-Explanation of this panel on Pittsburgh Site

Watch A 40-50 second video from inside the Chartres Cathedral (Changes Daily During Lockdown 2020)