Who knew a little piece of fabric could cause so much controversy? Mask wearing has become a huge controversy, with everyone weighing in with their views
on the subject. Mask-wearing has become a political symbol—a “taking sides” in a
bitter culture war. I hesitate to even wade into the mask-wearing controversy,
knowing it’s become such a hot-button issue. Upon reflection, however, I want to
help us reframe the whole mask-wearing controversy. I want to encourage us to
think about it in a different way.
What if wearing a mask became a spiritual practice, rather than a political statement?
In a recent sermon, I referenced Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk who lived a life of service to God while working in the monastery kitchen. Brother Lawrence
performed the most menial tasks (scrubbing floors, washing pots and pans, and chopping vegetables), as acts of worship to God and service to his fellow monks. What if we took a page out of Brother Lawrence’s playbook? What if we viewed the mundane task of wearing a mask, not as a political statement, but rather as an act of worship to God and service toward one another? If we have to wear masks anyway, why not transform this mundane act into spiritual practice that honors God and our fellow human beings who are created in God’s image?
Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do
not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Our freedom in Christ is not license to do whatever we want while disregarding the wellbeing of others. Rather we are to steward our freedom to serve others sacrificially, just as Christ has served us. This mindset puts mask wearing in a different light. Instead of being a political statement, it becomes an act of worship and service. It becomes a means by which, like Brother Lawrence, we practice the presence of God.
The next time you wear your mask, be mindful of doing so as a spiritual practice—
an act of worship to God’s image,
Blessings,
Hilary
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