Enduring the Pandemic
Regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are receiving different kinds of messages from the media – some of them alarming, some of them fake, some of them instructive, and some of them reassuring. Christ’s message to us is one of reassurance and hope.
Ultimately, during these trying times, God’s concern is for our overall well-being. If this were not so, He would never allow these kinds of pandemics. We thus look to Him for help in sustaining our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. And for those who need emergency attention, we pray they get it.
With every negative change, our human spirit seeks not only to survive, but to learn and grow, and even thrive. When there is a break in our regular routines, we find ourselves out of our element, even bored, not knowing how to occupy ourselves. But people eventually try out new things with their added gift of time.
There are stories of people having more time to reconnect with others, reconnect with nature, and reconnect with themselves. Some catch up on reading a good book or watching a feelgood movie, or listening to pleasing music; others journal about their thoughts and feelings; others reach out to people online and deepen their bonds; those who can, go out for a peaceful walk and a breath of fresh air (since the schools, gyms, libraries and community centres are closed); and still others play board games with children, piece puzzles together, read to each other, teach each other. All these activities have the effect of growing our patience and love.
During this time of Great Lent, our Church has provided us with the gifts of fasting and prayer. Along with reading Holy Scripture, these are effective gifts which help us create balance in the core of our being, and give us an eternal perspective on life.
We encourage everyone to follow the guidelines laid out by the government and public health authorities. We want people to keep healthy until this virus can be outlasted. Up till now, we don’t know of any parishioner who has symptoms of the virus. We hope it stays that way. All the people who are in high risk categories should work from home, or take time off. We are saddened for those who have lost their lives already, and pray for the repose of their souls.
Work and travel restrictions can make life inconvenient and complicated. We pray for those who support us in our communities: The front-line personnel in food services and distribution; our dedicated missions workers; our public health workers in hospitals, clinics and pharmacies; our first responders in emergency services, and maintenance and utilities; our civil leaders and workers in government and financial services; and our news and media people, and tech experts in communications.
We pray also for those who are alone or distressed or anxious or can’t manage. Our parish is willing to reach out and help.
In the meantime, we endure with faith in God to help us into a “new and better” normal. God knows how and when He will bless us with restored fellowship and worship in our Church.
Until then, may Christ give us His peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). St. Paul’s words to the Philippians are reassuring (4:11-13): “…For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
