Our current struggles with the pandemic called CoViD-19 has been characterized by many as being in a World War. Not just any localized or territorially-defined conflict, but a crisis affecting and confronting the whole world.
Most countries are now desperately fighting to contain the virus, while others, whose shores have so far been spared from the viral invasion, have not escaped the worldwide economic crisis CoViD-19 has caused.
Generationally, almost all of us are far removed from the ravages of a world war. Our closest identification with the last one is from stories passed on by grandparents, or documented lessons from textbooks at school.
And because our generation is inexperienced with living on a war, we are often lost in how to live in these trying times.
Scriptures are instructive for the faithful. First, we need to be united; to be together in fighting the pandemic; to be one people in fending off its overwhelming circumstances.
In spite of our differences and disagreements, which preoccupy us in ordinary times, today we need to stand as one people, one world, confronting a common enemy, CoViD-19. “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” (1 John 3:23)
This is difficult for mankind to do. Our human nature resists the pull of loving one another, because we love ourselves too much. We are sadly lacking in the capacity to love others.
In our unguarded moments, we catch ourselves more selfish than selfless. Even within the intimacy and close relations of a family, it is common for members to quarrel. The causes may be petty, or they may be serious. And yet, God created family for its own welfare, and for the good of all mankind.
That is why Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He comes to ordain peace in our hearts, and peace among us. The apostle Paul warned against this folly. “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.” (2 Timothy 2:23)
And James, the brother of Jesus, correctly observed, “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?” (James 4:1)
Living in the war of CoViD-19 requires that we shed ourselves of self-interest, whether this is generated by material wants and needs, or by intellectual, ideological, and political vanities.
In times of the pandemic, we need to recognize the Sovereign Power and Creator of all, and come back to Him in humility. To see things right again, we need a reconciliation: with all of creation, with all of humanity, and with almighty God. “If my people who are called by My name shall humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
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