On Tuesday of this past week, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, stated in her daily briefing session that recent data indicates Canada had avoided an explosive outbreak of COVID-19.
She cautioned we must still remain vigilant and should not loosen restrictions that have proven to be effective.
Dr. Tam stressed that, "these are hard truths that haven't changed. The first is that this will be a marathon and we are going to have to plan, pace ourselves and not take any sharp turns. The second truth is that there are still a lot of unknowns and no one 100 per cent proven path before us."
Clearly, our response to the coronavirus is a marathon rather than a sprint. The challenge is that the course we should take is not fully known.
St. Paul writes the following to the church in Corinth: "Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9: 24-27)
Paul reminds us that life is a race, and we need to train so that, ultimately, we will win. If we are victorious, our prize is not a laurel wreath. Our victory is in Christ who offers us salvation. This does not only apply to the spiritual life; but it also speaks to our current crisis.
If we wish to win the race and beat COVID-19, then we must be patient, disciplined and willing to make some personal sacrifices. We should not forget that slow and steady is the winning attitude when it comes to this pandemic.
Our Christian faith helps us to understand that when the focus is on 'we' more than 'me,' we become champions in this life.
Dr. Tam also speaks about the unknown. How long will these restrictions last? What will be the lasting impact of the pandemic? How long will it take for the economy to recover? The fact that nobody has definitive answers can be discouraging; however, at times of uncertainty our faith can give us confidence.
In the Book of Hebrews, we find this simple statement: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
We can still feel confident despite the doubt and this gives us hope. Faith helps us to be less anxious, especially during times of uncertainty.
In his introduction to "The Devout Life," St. Francis de Sales stated that next to sin, anxiety is the greatest enemy of the human soul. The following beautiful reflection is attributed to him.
"Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. God will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations."
Good advice as we run the race to beat Covid-19.
Together, with God, we will be victorious.
Gerard Bergie is bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines.
Published in St. Catherines Standard: https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/opinion-story/9961022-faith-matters-in-the-pandemic-race-patience-and-discipline-wins/