Many saw it coming, most downplayed its potency. But it is here with us, dispelling all forms of self denial. You may liken it to the biblical plague God unleashed on the Egyptians while they held the Israelites captive. At a time when humanity boasts it has the answers to all of life’s affairs, it is ironic that it is yet to surmount this invisible enemy now ravishing all on its path, months after it first evolved into existence. The most sophisticated of human laboratories and ingenious scientists are still puzzled by the uncanny ability of this virus to evade all possible cures. The number of its casualties is rising by the day as man faces his most gargantuan challenge in modern day history. It’s not a natural mystic. It is a revolution. Where man fails, God’s victory is sure. He is our saving grace in times like these. We now know there is more to life beyond the glitz of materialism, the splendor and ego that comes with power and the intrigue of dominance and forced conquest. For once, all the super powers are now united in their quest to subdue a common invisible enemy threatening to rob planet earth of its nutrients. How it got here is still a mystery. Perhaps we will know the truth some day. Perhaps not! This is surely a time of rebirth. Unfortunately, every birth comes with some measures of pain. New lives shall emerge; many more will go into extinction before the virus recedes into oblivion. However, one thing is certain; things shall not remain the way they use to be. We all must be vigilant. Like previous plague that held humanity hostage for a time, this too shall soon pass away and God shall be glorified. Humanity will once again be humbled, compelled to bow in total obeisance, acknowledging the superintending role of the divine in the affairs of men.
The earth shall once again be squeaking; cleansed of this monstrous predator and the proud shall kneel subdued. Here lies the summit of our faith. Stay safe. Confinement may well be the best approach to its containment. Hearken to the injunction of Isaiah 26: 20, “Go home, my people and lock your doors! Hide yourself for a little while until the Lord’s anger has passed.” Interestingly, the timing of this announcement to stay indoor tallies with the numbers on the biblical reference! Could this be a mere coincidence? Is the Almighty sending us a clear message of hope? Our prayers and supplications must not cease. The Church is you and I. We must continually watch and pray. Do not fall into despair nor lose faith in God’s saving grace. Whichever way, the lessons to be learnt from all these cannot be forgotten in a hurry. A new mantra shall be the singsong. Life should better be appreciated as we share in its glow. A common destiny has befallen all; though our eventual exit points remain unseen.
