With the pandemic raging on for almost one year now, hope is at stake. With many losing jobs, the terror of the virus and the fear of a future that seems dystopic, the question of when this will all end may plague our minds constantly.
In such dire circumstances, how does one’s faith make a difference? How does having Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour make a difference in once’s ability to not only survive but thrive in these harsh times? Should we not be different?
Should we not be anxious and be at peace about having our basic necessities met because Jesus told us that our Heavenly Father takes care of his children and thinks about them more than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field? (Matthew 6:25-33)
Should we not be terrified and be level-headed about illness and diseases because by the stripes Jesus bore, we are healed? (Isaiah 53:5)
Should we not be fearful and faith-filled because Jesus loves us perfectly and that there is no fear for the future because of this perfect love? (1 John 4:18)
We should and we could be different. We should and we have to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. We should and must become the visible presence of God with us, Emmanuel. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Within our worlds, we have the mandate of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to manifest the goodness and greatness of love through the simplest and yet the most profound of things.
In our speech… expressing gratitude through saying thank you for the everyday graces we may have taken for granted like meals that we have daily and the electricity, water and broadband facilities we enjoy.
In our temperament… understanding that it is tough for all in different ways and being polite and thoughtful in our attitudes.
In our care for others… staying at home instead of going out for no good reason, wearing a mask, keeping socially distanced and practicing proper hygiene.
In our kindness… reaching out to help where ever and whenever possible.
In our discipline… by exercising, eating correctly and getting enough rest so that we can remain healthy and be of service to others instead of having others serve us.
In our humility… in reaching out to connect with others and to ask for help when needed.
In our belief… sharing stories of God’s goodness to encourage the hearts of others. From Jeremiah 17:7-8,
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we ask that we may be blessed as we choose to be the ones who trust in you O Lord and place our confidence in you. May we be like trees planted by the water that send out roots by the stream; may we not fear when heat comes as our hope, just like the leaves are always green; may we not worry nor be anxious in a year of drought and may we never fail to bear fruit. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ and through the intercession of Mary our Mother and St. Joseph, the Guardian of the Redeemer* and the redeemed. Amen