Prelate’s Apartment by
Reverend Arthur F. Hebbeler, III, right eminent grand prelate of the Grand Encampment “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” (Psalm 133 KJV) The Psalmist was completely correct. There is nothing as pleasant as brethren dwelling and working together. This pandemic has truly challenged that, and even now, as more of us are getting vaccinated and the restrictions on gathering together are being lifted, we are still challenged in finding ways to meet and greet one another. How might we dwell together even as we are separated, and more importantly, how do we resume our unity and common work after more than a year working on our own? After working alone, or at best over video calls and email, we have lost that one important thing which brings us together—human contact. We might see and hear one another over the Zoom call, but what we are really missing is that warm embrace or handshake that provides a tactile confirmation of our brotherly love. The messaging from some in government and the media seems to stress fear and risk of personal contact, even as the science seems to be reassuring. Conflicting messages create more doubt, worry, and anxiety. Where can we find the calm? Where is the hopefulness? We can find the calm in the community of Christ. We can find hope in the promises God has made to us through His Word which has come to us from the prophets, the writer of the Gospels, and the words of His Son. The pandemic has taken a lot out of us, but what it has not taken, and cannot take, is the love of God and the promise that we are His children and are under His care and protection. By His grace and power, He has given us scientists who have the knowledge and skills to create vaccines, and medical professionals with the gift to heal. We are on the path to a full return to life as it was pre-pandemic. We are closer to being together and embracing one another again. How pleasant that will be!
6
july 2021
