As we continue to be inundated with information about the coronavirus, it is easy to become overwhelmed with a sense of foreboding.
What is known and unknown can fill us with fear and anxiety. If we focus only on the bad things and forget about the good, we will begin to despair and lose hope.
During these dark times, Jesus offers us words of comfort when he states, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:25-30)
Why does Jesus begin this passage by thanking his Father for hiding these things from the learned and revealing them to children? We do not know what 'these things' are; however, that does not matter because Jesus focused on the greater value of trusting in God.
I remember visiting my sister one summer afternoon. My young nephew came running into the backyard crying and holding his scraped elbow. He had fallen off his bicycle and was very upset because he scraped his elbow.
My sister instinctively held her crying son in her arms speaking words of comfort to him. He did not focus on the accident; he simply wanted her to ease his pain. He believed that his mother would love him and here he found comfort.
I think that this is a good example of what Jesus was talking about in the scripture passage. When we experience suffering or tragedy, when we are anxious or afraid, we should run to the arms of Jesus like a child.
We do not need to analyze the situation. We simply need to seek his love.
One thing that the coronavirus has provided for us is the gift of time. For most of us, our busy, hectic lives have slowed down considerably with the removal of many activities. It seems like a good time to focus and reflect on those things that give the most meaning to life.
Approximately one month ago, in a previous Faith Matters article, I spoke about Lent.
I wrote: "If you are so busy and distracted right now that you do not know if you are 'coming or going,' why not allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into the wilderness with Jesus. You will never regret your decision."
Who could have imagined that this 'wilderness experience' would be imposed upon us due to circumstances beyond our control?
Our government leaders and health-care professionals are asking us to practise physical distancing and self-isolation in order to flatten the curve and avoid infection. This is sound advice that must be followed if we want to beat this virus and save lives.
Perhaps as we distance ourselves from others, we could get closer to Christ. Why not respond to his simple invitation, "Come to me."
Let us also take the time to pray for those individuals who help to bring hope and healing to others during this crisis. They help us to know God's love.
Be not afraid.