This is a time of upheaval. The global pandemic has people on alert for their own safety and the well-being of others. Additionally, my family is suffering heartache following the tragic death of one of my cousins. It’s hard to face each day without concern, without fears, without sorrow – without reminders that we must surrender our challenges to the Father.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, everywhere I turn there are prompts to be extra vigilant in terms of hygiene and the protection of others, particularly our most vulnerable citizens. We are told to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, such as quarantines and closures. We are also asked to be honest about any possible symptoms and exposure to disease in efforts to prevent the further spread of suffering.
As I write this article, I am continually updated with cancellations, disclosed cases of the disease, travel bans, and school closures. Word travels fast when people recognize something of importance.
Imagine if the Gospel news were spread so quickly. Imagine if more people were invested in spreading joy and in sharing love, compassion, honesty, and humility. Imagine if more people realized the protective qualities of rejecting sin, accepting Jesus as our Lord, and placing one’s trust in God.
As serious as our physical safety is, I cannot help but think that we can learn some spiritual lessons from our vigilance against illness. First and foremost, we must prepare our hearts for changes we do not expect. My cousin’s sudden death has reminded me that we are called home in God’s time, not our own. Since we do not know when we will meet the Father face to face, we must ready ourselves for the hour of death, whether there is a pandemic or not.
Second, just as we need to be upfront about any exposure we may have had to disease and take any symptoms seriously, we must also be honest and serious as we examine our consciences. We must be transparent about our faults – willing to expose and admit our transgressions – so that we may begin to heal and grow. Our souls are cleansed and renewed each time we bare our souls to another, each time we apologize for our mistakes, each time we visit the confessional for a “cure” from the sins infecting our human relationships and ultimately our connections with God.
Finally, we are called to protect each other from this virus, just as we are called to protect each other from sin and evil. The germs that spread so quickly – undetected as they incubate within victims’ bodies – remind me of the quick spread of sin, which can silently linger in the form of resentment, jealousy, self-righteousness, and pride, only to raise its ugly head in the destruction of relationships and distance from God. We must all do our part to keep sin from spreading, as we stop the spread of rumours, and build each other up by celebrating each other’s gifts and supporting one another in times of need.
While sin can spread as quickly and silently as communicable diseases, God’s love is likewise “contagious.” Simple gestures such as smiling as we greet one another, kind texts, positive feedback, and keeping our word spread joy. Joy and love produce more of the same. Let us be carriers of the right contagions.
As disconcerting as the news updates are, I know that while I need to be informed and responsible in my actions, I must also pray for all who are affected in any way.
As much as I struggle with the loss of my cousin, I must honour him by remembering his life and praying for his eternal salvation as well as for all who mourn him.
In all things, I need to trust in God. Michelle Benzinger, in an Abiding Together podcast, admitted that when she feels overwhelmed, she tends to give up and basically “throw things at God.” She shared her realization that we are called to “place these things in his hands” because “placing comes out of trust.”
During this time of worldwide panic and family grief, I know that I must place my worries and tears in the Father’s hands, calling on him to enable me to spread love amid this unrest. “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord” (Jer 17:7).
