What a global catastrophe! COVID-19 is a virus ravaging the lives of many across the globe. The coronavirus, as earlier mentioned, has no favorite, be you from a developed or developing country. We all are affected directly or indirectly. This calls for a more deeper moment of reflection in the world community. We need to re-discern our relationship with each other, among nations and the cosmos. It is a moment of deeper communion and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Northern Italy, USA, Spain, Germany and the rest who are more affected than other nations. May our Triune God be merciful upon the earth.
The COVID-19 pandemic has equally crumbled the world’s economy and impacted the entire human population, bringing to consciousness that our lives are nothing but “a candle in the wind” that could be blown away right under our watch. We are, therefore, cautioned to avoid social gatherings of any kind. Churches have all been asked to suspend all forms of community worship and gathering. It is now a time to build the domestic churches by praying in our various homes.
On a more positive note, kidnappings and ritual killings, to mention but a few terrorist activities, have slowed or even stopped. I personally wondered if the fear of this one virus could bring these dubious activities to a stand still. This shows me that the world could be a better place if we have the kind of fear for God our creator as we have for the coronavirus.
We pray for God’s mercies upon those who have died, for those affected, for healing and for all health workers that God’s wisdom be upon them to administer the right care. We also pray for the discovery of a vaccine and medicine for the virus.
As women religious living in community and sent to make Christ visible by our very being, we are called to ponder over the lessons that we are hearing from this situation and help teach them to those around us and those we meet each day through the courage, smiles and prayers we offer. By so doing, I believe we will be giving hope, peace and love in this global crisis we face.
We are then called to be humble in all we are and do, for nothing we have belongs to us. I will at this point, join with many voices in advising that we adhere to the various preventive measures. May we stay awake with all that is happening around us and with the coronavirus. Let us again and again follow strictly the precautionary measures given to us by international health authorities, medical personnel, governments, religious leaders, organizations and other stakeholders. The need to remind one another about hand washing, personal hygiene and self-care is required to stay safe. This is not the time to cast blame, to listen to all being said out there but rather to deepen our relationship with God through prayers. Our homes and communities are to be a place of worship since we are unable to gather in churches and mosques.
In God we trust and have our being. May God through Mary and Blessed Mother Theresa take control over this pandemic ravaging our world. To end this reflection, I encourage us to make our own the prayer prepared by the Africa bishops for the end of coronavirus. May God bless our world and make our world whole again.
*Prayer for End to Coronavirus Outbreak*
(Composed by Catholic Bishops of Africa…SECAM)
Almighty and merciful Father, who shows your love to all creation, we come before you asking for a quick control of the Coronavirus currently ravaging our world
Hear graciously the prayers we make for those affected by the virus in various parts of the world
Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the dead and consolation to the bereaved families
We pray that an effective medicine to combat the sickness be speedily found
We pray for the relevant Governments and Health Authorities that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people
Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us our fallings
We ask this through our Lord Jesus. Amen
Sister Sarah Unwaunyin Tanjo, SSND