Pastoral Care Corner – Thursday, April 9, 2020

9 April 2020

Matthew 27 “1 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. 2 So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor. 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”  “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”

When I first started as a chaplain with Toronto Police over 10 years ago, I was shocked with how many calls we went to, when I was on a ride along, that dealt with emotional disturbed persons. Sadly, I have gone to calls where people had died by suicide. I have seen the devastation of family members who now have a whole new set of circumstances to deal with,  including the grief of losing a loved one to suicide. I, along with many minister friends have officiated at “Celebration of Life” services for people who have died by suicide.

I have had families say to me, “What could have, should have, or would have” we been able to do.

My concern today is for people who may feel that there is no hope for their situation. They may have lost their job or been laid off. They may have lost family members and are dealing with guilt since they could not be there when they died. Others are overwhelmed by despair.

What is it that we can do today? Connect with someone. How do you start the conversation …? “Your name came to mind and I’m simply calling to say “Hi, how is it going for you?”

Christ is the hope of the world and today Christ may use you to talk with some one and give them hope.
Rev. Jane