Good Mourning

It took almost a year, but it finally hit me- I mourn over the pandemic. Of course, I've lived in it the same as everyone else for the past eleven months in Germany- the lockdowns, the restrictions, the masks, the distancing. And I've had pandemic fatigue before now. But it's getting more real.

The first few weeks were almost enjoyable- a nice break from the typical busyness. We then enjoyed beautiful weather through spring and summer- the best weather I've seen in ten Northern European summers, with perfect temperatures and constant sun. I picked up bicycling, we toured castle ruins, and hiked the myriad trails. That distracted us from the continuing difficulties, as we could still enjoy the great outdoors. But descent into the November gloom- without the Christmas markets to brighten the season- followed by the typical wet/gray/dark of January and February have finally done it for me; I've had it. I mourn.

On the one hand, we count ourselves blessed throughout this time- none of us have fallen ill, we've maintained jobs, we have all we need. On the other, we mourn. So much has been lost- lives, jobs, time, opportunities, experiences, community, fellowship. Some things will recover and return to full strength in time; others may be gone forever. We mourn. I mourn in particular for fellowship. Quality time with friends and family. How many relationships were stifled or unrealized because of the continued isolation? 

Ultimately, our mourning points us to the underlying reason why pandemics happen: things are not the way they're supposed to be. And why is that? Sin. When man broke fellowship with God by rebelling against Him (by sinning, in other words), it introduced all manner of corruption into the world. Hardship, poverty, illness, injustice, killing, theft, war, famine, evil. And so mourning is a recognition of reality.

I hate mourning. I want to be happy all the time. Make lemonade when lemons come, etc. Yet Jesus says "blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). In context, he's referring to sin. Jesus' words encourage us to remember these present difficulties and see them for what they are- and mourning is the appropriate response.  This gospel coalition article goes into more detail. Mourn. Mourn sin. Mourn brokenness. Mourn.

But Jesus doesn't leave us there. Mourning is a necessary part of life; a right recognition of evil's reality and results. But He promises comfort. For the Christian, Jesus's work on the cross broke this curse. It delivered victory. And more- He says "Behold, I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:5). "Everything sad is going to come untrue and it will somehow be greater for having once been broken and lost." (Tim Keller) 

Mourning is a part- but it is not the end. May we mourn this time, and may our mourning point us to Jesus: to thirst for and cling to Him always. We shall be comforted.