WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

The Coronavirus Pandemic is a reminder to all humans that we are all in this together. There is no nation, country, state, or community that is immune to the virus or the effects of the virus upon the world community; whether we test positive or negative. The necessity of social distancing has forced everyone to self-quarantine; whether we are contagious or not. Every human across the globe is at war with the same invisible enemy; regardless of our sect, religion, ideology, political party, sex, age, race, nationality, or family. That enemy is Covet19 and human selfishness (sin).

A pandemic such as Covid19 has a way of testing all world leaders, governments, and countries; separating the sheep from the goats, and the shepherds from hirelings. It is not only a test of all leaders, but a test of all the people as well; a test of our courage, faith, hope, trust, and obedience.

The armies of defenders and protectors of the people – armies of soldiers – are the first responders: the doctors, nurses, volunteers, paramedics, hospital and health officials, police force, fire patrols, National Guard, Medical Military, scientists, government officials and world leaders. Also included among these soldiers are those who are praying for the sick and the world, and those who are doing works of mercy and charity. This is an image of how God has come to save the world. He did not come to save just Christians, just the followers of Jesus, or to use only Christians to save the world. The Church, all Christians, are called and sent to save the world. The Church is a “Field Hospital,” in the words of Pope Francis. But, the Lord uses others, as well; all those of good will who are open to the Spirit and open to love. This includes many world leaders who love their people. “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” (John 10:16)

Many people, Christian and non-Christian, are called to heal the sick and give aid to the poor. Christians are primarily called to heal the soul: to give hope to the hopeless and those in despair; to give courage to the fearful; to make known the love of God for his people; to lead the way to new life, renewal, peace, and unity—to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. They are called to enlighten others – to be an example of how to conquer greed and selfishness; to model the humility to bow before God and receive his forgiveness and the grace to do the impossible.

The Church and most of the secular world of humanity have the same goal – the salvation and stewardship of the world and preparation for the new world of the future. Their mission is different, but their goal is the same. The Church and the world (created by God) are not in competition. They are not adversaries, or enemies. They serve the same God and receive life from the same God; whether they know it or not. The Church is called to be a light for the world and a field hospital for the sick. God created us body and soul. Body and soul are one, not separate entities. The Church ministers to the human person from the inside out and the secular world ministers from outside in. They both minister to the whole person as their goal. However, those who do not know the Lord do not know there is a soul. Most of them do not know that there is life beyond the grave. The Church and the world have the same invisible enemy – a virus to the body, and sin/selfishness to the soul.

Healing from the inside out transforms our heart, changes our character, and disposes us for a life of virtue, because it opens us to a relationship with God and an infilling of grace. God enables us to do what is beyond our human ability. Healing from the outside in may produce temporary changes in our heart (soul) and remove obstacles that prevent us from being open to the grace of God, but it is usually only temporary and does not take root in the soul. Permanent change requires an on-going relationship with God. Sickness and disease can bring out the best in us or the worst. It tests our capacity to love. If we have love, we will save the world.

As I pray and reflect upon what God wants to say to us through this present Lenten Pandemic, this is what I hear:

God’s message to non-believers: Christians are not your enemies, they are your brothers and sisters. There is no need to fear them. I love you as much as I love them. Christians are sent by me to serve you and to enlighten you, not to replace you. They come to you bearing gifts of healing. They come to you with the message that there is life beyond this world, eternal life. Don’t be afraid to trust them. Your suffering and pain will not be in vain; I will redeem it, and even redeem your death. I am the resurrection and the life.

God’s message to Christians: I sent Moses to deliver my people from out of Egypt and to lead them into the Promised Land. But, I am sending you back to Egypt; to serve them, not as slaves, but as free men and women who volunteer to lay down their lives for them. I am sending you there to heal my people and to transform Egypt into the Kingdom of God. Non-believers are my people as much as you are my people. They are not your enemy. Sin, selfishness, (Satan) is your enemy. Satan is the Accuser, always causing division; he is a Liar, always deceiving the world with false ideologies and lies. Non-believers are your brothers and sisters, your sons and daughters. You are not in competition with them. I sent you to them to heal and enlighten them; to love and to serve them as your own flesh and blood.

Iran will not accept any gifts from the U.S., even though they are necessary to save their people, because they do not trust the U.S. They see the U.S. as their enemy. Of course, Iran may have good reason not to trust the U.S. Non-believers do not trust Christians. It will not be easy for Christians to gain the trust of non-believers. You must have the heart of a shepherd who is willing to lay down his life for his sheep.

God’s message to all people: I have not come to punish you. All I want is for you to be happy and to have the fullness of life – real life, authentic life. You are most happy when you are grateful for all that you receive from others. Gratitude is love. That is why you need to love me, too. All good that comes to you comes from me, from love. I am love. When you acknowledge me and honor me you are loving me. When you honor others and are grateful for what you receive from them, you are loving them. When you give to others, especially those in need, you are also giving to me. You are loving them. These two ways of loving – gratitude and giving – will make you truly happy. Real life is all about giving and receiving with love – gratitude and service (charity). These are the two spectrums of love. What you have, share with others. If you give away all that you have, you will have the fullness of life. What you don’t have, ask for; and receive with gratitude and open hearts. This will make you truly happy and continually bring you healing and new life – a fuller life. A New World is coming, so do not cling to what you have now – give it away. Be not afraid! Call upon me, trust in me! Stay awake! Don’t let selfishness and greed take possession of you while you are down; while you are asleep, weak, or sick. Seek me and I will let you find me.