The irony of celebrating Passover in the middle of a global pandemic is not lost to me. Passover is the holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in Ancient Egypt. In Hebrew, it is known as Pesach, which means “to pass-over” because the Angel of Death “passed over” the Jewish homes during the 10th and final plague (which was when the angel passed over homes in order to slay Who would have imagined that in 2020 we all would be staying home and praying that the Angel of Death spares our family, friend, and loved ones during COVID-19? This year, Jewish people around the world cannot be with their loved ones to retell the Passover story, one of the greatest miracles of all time, around a festive seder dinner.
Although this year we cannot have an in-person Seder, many Jewish people will have virtual celebrations. We can still eat matzah, the flat unleavened bread that reminds us of that the Israelites did not have enough time to let their bread rise before hastily fleeing Egypt. Some Rabbis say that the flat and unflavored Matzah embodies humility. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks describes humility as when: "You are secure enough not to need to be reassured by others. It means you do not feel you to have to prove yourself by showing that you are cleverer, smarter, more gifted or successful than others. You are secure because you live in G-d's love. He has faith in you even if you do not."
Likewise, humility is a Franciscan value. We see it alive in our virtual St. Francis College Community. The Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn lead and continue to lead us with their humility. We see humility in our St. Francis College faculty who quickly and seamlessly adopted to teaching online in order to continue to deliver a high-quality education to St. Francis College students. We see humility among St. Francis College alumni, many of whom find themselves once again on the front lines responding to a national crisis.
This year’s Passover seders will no doubt be much more humble than in previous years, leaving more room for the divine spirit to permeate our souls and uplift our lives. At the conclusion of the seder dinner, it is customary to say, “next Year in Jerusalem!” So, for our community, let us say, “Next year on Remsen Street!”
Linda Werbel Dashefsky
Vice President for Government and Community Relations
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How to Be the Church During the Current Crisis
Here in the US and around the world people everywhere are bracing themselves to weather the storm known as the COVID-19 pandemic. People worldwide are anxious, worried, afraid, and overwhelmed! What does the world need right now? A vaccine, strong leadership, a stimulus, a cure? Yes to all of those things, but perhaps more importantly people just need the Church! No, not a physical building, especially when we are being advised to avoid groups larger than ten, but the collective group of Christ followers spreading the good news of hope, peace, and encouragement.
God has given each of us the opportunity and ability to speak life into those within our reach. Isaiah said that God gave him wisdom to help the weary and to speak comforting words to them. God wants to give each of us wisdom and creativity to help those around us. He wants to meet you and use you right where you are to minister to those within your sphere of influence.
While reading this you might feel like you’re not worthy, just like the writer of today’s Psalm. You might even feel more like a Judas than a Peter. In fact, these two men had a lot in common: both were chosen by Jesus; both witnessed His ministry up close; and both had an incredibly selfish mindset. In fact, one could say the only difference between the two was that, in the end, Peter chose Jesus over himself. But please allow me to encourage you!
God knows that each and every one of us is going to mess up in some way. We make mistakes. We might even be so broken as to reject Jesus. Even to deny Him. Just remember that you are not what you have done, what has been done to you, or what anyone else says about you. Rather, you are who God says you are. So today, make what Jesus has done for you bigger than what anyone has done or said to you. We must remember that Jesus conquered all shame on the cross so you can live shame-free today and everyday!
As followers of Jesus we are called to be counter-cultural. We are called to sacrifice what is convenient for what is right. So let’s not focus on just hoarding toilet paper and instead take some time to see who we can choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus over ourselves!
Justina Rivera, SFC '07
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