Cannot go to work

Its one thing to not have a job, its another to be physically unable to get to work, its another to have a job and not want to go, and its entirely a different thing to have a job that you want to go to and cannot because you are employed by the Federal Government. First, to all the members of St. John's who are home because of the government shut down, I admire you perseverance to use the time that you want to be at work in creative ways. Some of you are planning ways to assist family and neighbors with projects. As public servants you are continuing to serve. Some of you are beginning home projects that you otherwise have not been able to complete, because you have been reliably at your jobs. Some of you are volunteering in your community and here at St. John's. Common among all of you who are home not from your own choice is that you are not yet shutting down but still looking for leaders to lead the country to a new place. Thank you for your common sense and dedication as citizens. Second, I appreciate that there are many others who are members of St. John's who businesses depend upon the Federal Government operating, such as contractors, food service, even home care providers who are now displaced or whose families are cutting back because of the economic uncertainty. Thank you for the same perseverance and service as citizens. And finally, I know this places everyone in a position to question commitments of both time and money. How much income will be lost? Is there anything to be done to make it up? When to cut back? How to look day to day? Your parish stands with you. Whatever support and help you need, the community of St. John's surrounds you. Whatever questioning or fist shaking or wondering you want to do out loud, we are here to listen. While the current financial situation of your household may have an impact on the financial household of St. John's, it will not change our joy in community and our appreciation of all our members. We all wonder, "How long, O Lord?" However long, Christian community continues through the Spirit of St. John's among us all.