Did you know that religion is defined just once in all of scripture? James 1:27 is where we find it: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” In the New Testament era, orphans and widows were the neediest members of society; in many cases they were totally without support. The early church took seriously its need to care for these most vulnerable members of its community. The modern Church continues to understand that a very important aspect of its ministry is to care for those who are least able to care for themselves.

While orphans are rare in our society (thank God!), and widows often receive pensions, Social Security, Medicare, and survivors’ benefits, human need remains very real. ELCA Hunger Appeal and programs like it, our own Heart ‘n’ Hands Mission, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Social Services of NJ, are all ways in which we ourselves contribute to assisting the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and others who are in need.

Even if the financial standing of widows and other seniors has greatly improved in recent years, there is still vital ministry to be done in these circles. By my count there are fifteen seniors who either live in special care facilities or are largely homebound. Throughout my years of ministry I’ve made it a point to keep close watch over institutionalized and homebound
members. I still make regular visits to these folks, administering the Sacrament of Holy Communion, praying with them, and conversing. Shutin visits are an important aspect of the church’s ministry. Not only does this visitation fulfill the demands of James’ definition of true religion, but it reminds the homebound that, despite their absence from our weekly fellowship, God and his people are always with them. The transitions from activity to relative inactivity, from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing, from freedom of movement to confinement, are some of the most difficult we’ll ever face. As Christ has promised his disciples that he would not leave them “as orphans” (John 14:18), but send the Holy Spirit to them in the wake of his return to his Father, so he promises to abide with us through life’s changes. This is why visiting the sick and shutin is an essential aspect of Christian ministry; when we visit those in need, Christ accompanies us. I’ve also found that this ministry is reciprocal – while my intention is to minister to those I visit, they usually minister to me as well. Remember that Jesus says, “Where two are three are gathered, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Jesus works in both directions when we gather in his name: he speaks through the visitor, as
well as the visited!

This vital ministry is not the sole domain of the clergy. Most of our homebound folks would be happy to see other St. Timothy members, not just me. If you’re interested in visiting our shut-ins, either with me, singly, or in small teams of fellow members, please let me know. I’m sure you’ll find, just as I have, that the time spent is enjoyable and edifying.

In Jesus’ name,

Pastor Robert M. Mountenay