To respond to Jesus’ call by saying ‘Here am I, send me’ in a situation of ‘turbulent storm’, like the COVID-19 pandemic, requires complete trust in Jesus.
When COVID-19 struck, we heard about it as something far away in the distance, somewhere in China, in Europe, in USA, etc. But when we got the news of the first victim in our country, I began to wonder what it would mean in terms of working for the Church, working with Small Christian Communities and working with the Government in its effort to save people.
Thanks to the encouraging words and actions of the Bishops who issued statements and guidelines on how to practice our faith, say our prayers, attend Eucharistic celebrations and help all those in need despite the pandemic.
Naturally I thought more of my health and that of my family first, by taking care of my family through taking all precautions of health and sanitation. It took me some days, honestly, to realize that the pandemic was an opportunity to meditate on the words of Jesus “When I was sick, …etc…” and that I had to respond to His call ‘Whom shall I send?”.
My response, eventually, was in terms of writing a series of theological reflection articles in the national Catholic weekly. I felt strongly that I was called to enlighten the people on the faith significance of the pandemic in terms of suffering as Christians.
In this way, by understanding the origins and nature of COVID-19, they could easily take precautions but not without taking care of those who were victims.
In this way, I believe, the Lord prompted me to step out of myself for love of God and neighbour being pushed by the grace of the baptism I received and in the freedom of faith.
