What I Learn From COVID-19

It has been a difficult time. Who would think this invisible tiny virus could turn our world upside down? More than 12m people have now tested positive for Covid-19 worldwide. More than 500,000 have died. Schools and shops are closed. Gatherings are limited or not allowed. People are scared to go to restaurants for dine-in. Travels are banned. As a result, almost all our economic activities are halted, people are losing their jobs. For the time being, our new normal includes staying home as much as possible, keeping physical distance from each other and wearing face masks.

With all these negative impacts, I even more realize now that God is in charge, we are not. Even though we human beings think we are smart and intelligent but we are certainly powerless and nothing in this event. We cannot foresee this happening. We cannot prevent this from happening. We cannot have enough knowledge to stop this happening.
 
Moreover, we human beings are dependent on each other. When we get sick, we need doctors and nurses to take care of us. When we have to satisfy our basic needs such as food, other people have to work in the grocery stores to serve. Without people travelling and spending money on vacations, airlines and hotels do not have business. The livelihood of people working in these industries is threatened.
 
Besides lack of services, social isolation also poses risks on our physical and mental health. It can link to heart health and depression. Without personal interaction, it can even get in the way of everyday functioning, such as sleep, focus and reasoning ability.
 
So do you think you can be self-sufficient and self-sustainable?
 
The answer is clear. You CANNOT. You are dependent on God and your fellow people very much. What God told us about loving Him and loving neighbours is so right. We think we are doing good for others when we love God and neighbours. That is not true, when we protect others, we protect ourselves. When we love others, we love ourselves.
 
I miss Mass gathering and the monthly Padre Pio Prayer meeting at St. Mary’s. Now I cannot attend because of the restriction, I recognize that it is such an important component in my life because they help me to get close to God, relate others and build community sense which all benefit my body and soul.
 
St. Padre Pio, pray for us! God, have mercy on us! Give us grace to go through the pandemic!

By: Patty Mak