Rev. Klockers: What would Jesus do – wear a face mask?

What would happen if Jesus and his disciples were here right now in Moses Lake?

Would you feel uncomfortable being around them? How might you treat a group of 13 dark-skinned homeless Jewish dudes that are preaching the Gospel and living off of handouts?

Instead, would you prefer to keep this cast of characters at a safe distance, sealed within the pages of Scripture, in an ancient time and distant shore?

I wonder about such an encounter.

Talking to Jesus and his disciples would be awesome. That said, if they were to ask something of you, would we be able to oblige? Maybe you would not feel up to the task. Some things might be perceived as too hard to do.

If you fell short of the mark, might you still prove to be helpful to the cause?

Maybe you could point to a spot out on the lake, and tell them to cast their nets there for fish? (Fear not – you could also tell them to be wary of toxic algae blooms.) That might be just enough to let you off of the proverbial hook of doing some really challenging stuff.

You would have helped them in a small way. After all, it does say in Matthew 10:42 “... whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple — truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” So, just maybe revealing a secret fishing spot would qualify?

Might that be enough to prevent them from shaking the dust off of their feet as they leave for another town?

Some of the smallest gestures can make a big difference. We may never know the outcome, but it gives life to the possibility of unexpected blessings for others.

In these days of the pandemic, small things may make a big difference to others: washing your hands, wearing a face mask in public, using social distancing and staying at home if you can. When it comes right down to it, these are not asking a lot.

Until there is a vaccine, these are the only safeguards at our disposal. I pray we may all do our share to slow down the spread of this disease by using them.

When we wear a face mask, we should remember the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12 – “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Thankfully, simple measures show how serious we are about caring for others.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.