Much like the storm that suddenly and powerfully overwhelmed the disciples in their boat on the sea of Galilee, we too find ourselves in a substantial storm with a sleeping Jesus on board.
Just like the disciples’ situation 2,000 years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic also seemed to come on with staggering force and with little warning. So many people throughout the world are praying to hear Jesus’ voice calming the storm with authority.
Unfortunately, many people are still waiting.
Could it be that we aren’t listening? The prayers are happening, but the listening isn’t. There are a lot of people praying but simultaneously fighting hard against the reality of this situation. There are also a lot of people emotionally tapping out until it’s all over. There are still others who are DIYing and crafting and to-do listing their way through it. There are many ways to not listen. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t keep busy. Work is good for the soul, especially now. But where do our minds go when we stop the work? Are we listening?
We desperately need to hear Christ’s voice right now. In particular, people need to hear God speak the truth of who they are. Most people don’t actually know who they are aside from their occupation, their gifts, their reputation, their economic status, their circle of friends. So much of our identity is tied up in our accomplishments, image, and social status. But, for once, all of that is being levelled, and we are all on an even playing field. None of us has any power over when we are “allowed” to “go back to normal.” We are all trying to get by, day by day, warding off loneliness while trying to homeschool our kids with an ever-present fear of the future and financial worries.
Because we’ve been living in “safe and secure” mode for so long, God’s way (the path of insecurity and open-endedness) feels very foreign, terrifying, and exposed. We don’t know who we are without our accolades and our usual routines to prop us up with purpose and merit.
We need people of the Spirit to rise up as leaders for this time and speak words that people are thirsting to hear. Words that affirm the identity and goodness of each person. Words that console and comfort. This is why Jesus came when he did, and this is why he comes again (and again) when we accept his gift of the Holy Spirit. “He does not ration his gift of the Spirit” (Jn 3:34).
When we Christians reach out to others during these days, we need to affirm one another’s goodness. We need to echo Christ’s words: “Be not afraid!” We need to remind others that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that, behold, they are very good. On their own. Without haircuts and packed schedules.
Many are afraid that social distancing is making us less human; but perhaps it can serve to make us innovative and better at communication. There is much talk about the government’s measures being too extreme or overcautious. There is no way to evaluate these things right now, but one thing is for sure: God works miracles in every circumstance, in every place, and in every age where there are willing vessels of his grace.
We must not place limits on God. There are some very devout Catholics openly criticizing the Church for temporarily suspending public Masses. As if God were limited by these times! As if his priests will forget their flocks! As if when we fervently pray our prayers of spiritual Communion he will deny us his tender love and mercy! O ye of little faith!
May our faith be much bigger than this pandemic or even than these times of vast uncertainty. Do not be a person who sows seeds of doubt, criticism, and discouragement, but rather, be a person who does not ration the gift of the Spirit. Pray to be messengers of hope and healing for those who suffer greatly in their isolation. Yes, pray that this all ends soon, but do not intensify the already abundant suffering by suggesting that God cannot work beyond the misinformation, and the ever-shifting prescriptions of those in power. God does not ration his gift of the Spirit; we must not ration our faith.
