Reflection on Choices and Transitions by Sr. Ann Hayden

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Reflection on Choices and Transitions
Sr. Ann Hayden, MM
April 19, 2020

“Let us help one another move forward.”

In this time of COVID-19, as we see images of a shared human struggle for life, we have begun to feel particularly close to peoples near and far of all faiths, diverse cultures, and different political leanings.  We have adjusted, in spite of our fear, and anxiety for  loved ones in family and among friends, to our efforts to invent new ways to spend time to enrich our relationships with fun, art, music, reflection, poetry, and prayer. In recent holy days of mutual human need, we have witnessed an immense outpouring of love and care for our neighbors; and for the heroes that are saving lives, providing food, safety, needed services, and essential travel. We are filled with gratefulness and creativity in simple service to family, students, and strangers alike. 

Even in this time of extreme vulnerability, we have certainly experienced the strength of the human community as we respond to the greatest challenge to human solidarity in this generation.  Even as the virus swept across oceans and continents, state governors, health professionals, first responders, and community leaders took steps to slow the advance of the virus, flatten the curve of contagion, and provide the life-saving equipment, protective gear, testing supplies, beds, and economic assistance.  

In the face of positive results of our efforts to stay home and stay safe, some people feel we have been locked down like prisoners of powerful forces that threaten our liberty. They protest we must no longer tolerate this curtailing of our free movement. They seem to chomp at the bit to return to business as usual, fun on the beach, in the restaurants and the bars.  Surely after such sacrifice of time, energy and human life, we can be patient a bit longer for the sake of our future together.

Let us remember the real choices we are truly asked to make in hard times:
-          Like God’s people of the old testament, will we choose life or death (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20);
-          Like Solomon, will we cherish the wisdom of an understanding heart over riches and power; (Reyes 3:5;8-14);
-          Like Job can we encounter grace with the teary eyes of humility and trust even in the whirlwind (Job 42:1-6)?

In this time of transitioning let us ground our actions in justice and compassion - the signs of true wisdom and true freedom.  Let us move forward with hope, care, and trust, helping one another move forward. Let us not run ahead or drag behind if by doing so we invite the return of a whirlwind of human chaos.  We are children of God called throughout time to new life to be enjoyed in love’s laughter and tears.    


#Coronavirus
#COVID-19
#Interfaith
#All Faiths United
#RGV Interfaith
#Transitions in crisis
#Choices in crisis

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