Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

—Luke 4:9-12

Bring a Coat, but Wear Short Sleeves

I arrived at Gillette Stadium at 10:15 am on Monday to park in Lot 22 and to walk across the ice-encrusted, bitterly cold span of asphalt for the privilege of a place in line. It was a place I didn’t know was open to me until quite recently. My wife had combed the CiC Health website we use here in Massachusetts to see when any of us might be eligible, and I was the first of our family to receive the vaccine. I was surprised. Knowing what I know about the rollout, I assumed I’d be getting my first jab some time well after the second coming of the Christ, or at least not before 2022.

Having determined my eligibility, I filled out the Attestation Form and trundled off to Gillette completely underdressed to stand in the twenty-one degree whipping wind. See, I’ve only lived in New England for fifty-one years. From the reports of others who’d gone, I thought I’d just sashay through the door and show my paperwork and be in. Depending on when your appointment is, it may not be so. I quickly learned that my appointment time was more of a moving target. So if you’re there but clearly not going to be through check-in before your appointment time, don’t worry. They know there’s a lot of us. They know. They’ll get you in.

Gillette Stadium is kind of skilled at getting thousands of people through their doors.

What struck me most was the festive air. I thought people might be cross to be waiting, but it seemed like everyone was just grateful to have a chance at beating Covid-19. It’s certainly a rational response. I had conversations with dozens of folks in the various lines I had to stand in to register and then to get my shot. Everyone was very professional and kind. I had my second appointment scheduled before I left the building.

I will tell you that the Moderna Vaccine is one tough medicine. I guess I had a worse reaction than some, with fever, chills and a headache. My mom said it was proof that I have a strong immune system, because it’s really fighting. I chose not to take any ibuprofen, opting to let my body do what it needed to do. So the night after the vaccine was sleepless and sick-feeling.

WORTH IT

But I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. I’ll be doing it again in 28 days. I did it in part because of my faith. My faith in God and God’s children, my faith in scientists and medical practioners, my faith in this grand cause we share together. I look forward to the day when I can visit folks in need of spiritual care without fear of killing them by carrying this terrible virus to them. I know I’ll be wearing masks for a long time, just to be sure. But I feel blessed to be able to take this first step toward healing all of us by making sure my probability of spreading the virus is as low as possible.

If you’re on the fence about getting vaccinated, I hope you’ll consider it. We need your help.