How We Endured the Pandemic of 2020 Day 2

By Zachary ParkerUncategorized

March 20

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are quickly moving beyond the quasi-normal experience of preparing for a hurricane. We know when hurricane season begins what we need to do, it’s almost routine. We know that in a matter of days and sometimes hours we have endured another storm. But this is different.

The not knowing and waiting is new for most of us. Being anxious, having insomnia, and worrying, etc. is part of the challenge of this pandemic. It is unsettling!

Yet our biblical history is full of unsettling situations from which new life arose. From the Hebrew Scriptures to the New Testament, God has worked in the unsettling disruptions of life.

Amos, a caretaker for Sycamore trees, was disrupted from his task and was called to be a prophet (Amos 7:14). Ananias, who laid hands on Paul/Saul (Acts 9:10-16) makes his resistance known to God. But both of these faithful men ease into the disruption in their lives and in doing so allow God’s work to be done.

Life as we once knew it has changed and we do not know what the future holds. But we can take solace in the reality that God works, sustains and loves us through the disruptions of our lives.

So we move forward, perhaps in ways unfamiliar to us: taking a walk and enjoying the beauty of the day; cultivating a prayer routine with our spouse or family members; reaching out via phone or text. This is an important time and a great opportunity for all of us to see, experience and know each other and God in ways that are new and perhaps unfamiliar. Let us move forward into this disruption with faith and great compassion as we work with God to do something new in our lives. Below are some ways to move forward:

  • When my family lived in Okinawa on the Air Force base 55 years ago, we used to go on drives in the car, with no destination in mind. It was great family time. Gas is pretty cheap now so you may want to go on a leisurely drive.
  • Also, there are numerous videos online to help you move and exercise since the gyms and YMCAs are closed.
  • Here are a few Internet links that might be helpful and spiritually uplifting:

Bottom line, do something positive and don’t watch the news all day.

Always, may God’s peace be yours,

Fr. Leo