The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is real for all of us, whether we are touched by it directly or indirectly. Some of us know people who have the virus, and its impact is getting closer as we learn of second cousins and friends of friends who have died of COVID-19.

This morning, we share a ritual to recognize deaths due to COVID-19, to note the particular pain of grieving in isolation, as well as to lift up gratitude for all those on the front lines: health care workers, grocery store workers, janitors, domestic workers.

Here we have a candle. You may wish to find your own candle to light with us (each week*).

Will you join me now in lighting this candle of grief and gratitude? I invite you to join me in saying “We light this candle.” Then I will say a few words, and invite you to speak the names on your heart.

All: We light this candle
One: In honor of all those working on the front lines in hospitals, nursing homes, grocery stores, and gas stations.
I invite you now to name those who you know on the front lines.

All: We light this candle
One: To send our love to those dying in isolation, especially those who we know and those who are loved by those we know.
I invite you now to name those who you know of who have died of the COVID-19 virus.

All: We light this candle
One: To send our love to all those grieving deaths of all causes.
I invite you now to name those who you know of who are grieving.

All: We light this candle
One: In recognition of the enormity of this pandemic’s impact on each of us; on those we love; on everyone, especially those already challenged by poverty, racism, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, and more.

All: We light this candle
One: In grief. In honor. In recognition. And most of all, in Love.

*You may wish to share this ritual on a weekly or monthly basis.