Our Own Experience of PASSOVER Part 3

All people from all walks of life try to fight against COVID-19 pandemic, but the death toll keeps rising in numbers and COVID-19 is still trending. With this kind of news, fear is within my whole system. The truth is I am afraid to die especially during these times when it is difficult to live while all people are engaged in a war against COVID-19.

With or without COVID-19, death is a reality. But before this pandemic arrives, it seems we do not fear death unless it visits a home or a loved one. But with the pandemic, the death rate itself brings us fear. Death which is just reduced to a number to conceal the identities of the casualties is enough to make us afraid of the virus. Death due to COVID-19 whether the person is a stranger or someone we know is a reason for us to be afraid of the virus. If there is only an available medicine or antidote to kill this virus, then it can at least lessen our fear. But why can’t we kill this virus rapidly?

In the Gospel of John (11:1-45), the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, it tells us that Lazarus, a good friend of Jesus was ill. When Jesus learned about this, He said, “This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.” These words of Jesus make us understand that death is not the final chapter of our life. We know why He said this when the Gospel tells us how He raised Lazarus from the dead. Death has no power over God. This for us Catholics is a reminder that our faith in God should be greater that our greatest fear of death. However, this does not mean that it is ok to expose ourselves to people who have been tested positive of COVID-19 without any protection (PPE). Rather, it tells us that our life is precious to God that we are not meant to die but to live forever with Him. God never causes death but gives us life. No matter how close we are to God, we will die (and hopefully not now), yet there is hope for us to live again with Him in heaven. But for now, let us live with this faith that if God is with us, He will protect us. During these times when we are afraid of COVID-19, let us keep our faith alive that God will make a way even if it seems these days there is no way. Amen.