Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

As we reflect, a larger part of our lives seem to be changing. Each day, our hustle and bustle are gradually being halted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) as the dire situation in various parts of the world leaves much to be desired.

Suddenly, global attention has deflected from terrorism, exchange rates, the stock market and oil.
Daily, borders are being closed, humans not animals are quarantined, tanks and missiles have been abandoned and their operators have taken refuge. In the presence of cutting edge technology, governments, scientists and citizens across the world are better convinced now that humans have little control over their own existence.

At a time like this, when we are forced to cope with the existing realities and assess the uncertainties ahead, we must take some time to reflect on the very essence of life and know that God ultimately has the final say. The virus has reminded us of our common humanity such as the ability to love, have compassion and be creative. Irrespective of faith, political divide, ethnicity, socio-political status, race or creed, it is no respecter of persons.
An obvious truth is that we are all connected as one people. As such, it didn’t have to take a COVID-19 and our fear of being infected by it, for the lives of our neighbors to matter. For once, the world is standing firmly together as the lines of tribe and race appears to be fading.

As churches, mosques, and other religious groups come together in a state of quarantine and total lockdown, a new order of brotherhood is being formed with togetherness of purpose in shelter for the homeless, help for the sick and prayers for those without hope. The medical teams are weary but God Almighty has still shown mercy in that healings have taken place even though many died. It is important that we pray for those who have taken ill by the virus and for the repose of the souls of those who have fallen by it all over the world.

With common sense precautions, protect yourselves and your community from the virus. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, stay at home when sick and listen to local health authorities.

In the words of Brother Richard Hendrick, a Capuchin Franciscan, in the poem “Lockdown”:

“Yes there is fear, but there does not have to be hate. Yes there is isolation, but there does not have to be loneliness. Yes there is sickness but there does not have to be disease of the soul. Yes there is even death, but there can always be a rebirth of love”.

Let us be awake to the tragedy of coronavirus and make the right choices as to how we live now.

We shall overcome

#EdoMustMoveForward.

Pst. Osagie Ize-Iyamu.