A Terrible Thing to Waste: Part I
Written by Tom Cooper
The coronavirus crisis affects the entire world (185 countries and counting). It stealthily unnerves us all; it challenges many of our personal, economic, and social principles. It makes us pause and reevaluate work, family, life, and faith. Consciously, or subconsciously, we are all doing an internal audit on what is important in life.
The pandemic of Coronavirus has abruptly roused us from the greatest danger individuals and humanity have always been susceptible to: the delusion of omnipotence…. It took merely the smallest and most formless element of nature, a virus, to remind us that we are mortal, that military power and technology are not sufficient to save us…. Let us not allow so much pain, so many deaths, and so much heroic engagement on the part of health workers to have been in vain…. Let us leave to the next generation a world poorer in goods and money, if need be, but richer in its humanity.
Fr. Cantalamessa: Papal Household April 10, 2020
During the last major worldwide financial crisis, Paul Romer said, “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” How do we not waste this current crisis?
Two suggestions:
Work toward a realistic view of ourselves. We are not in control. Feeling out of control leads most of us into varying levels of anxiety and anger. But it is our reality: We are not omnipotent. We are not physically safe. We are not protected by economic, military, or technological advancements, or power. This pandemic allows us a chance to grasp this fundamental reality, which is true at all times, but which we can normally avoid, at least to some extent. Recognizing the limits to our control in the world and over others humanizes us, and frees us from anxious striving.
Work toward a realistic view of God. Jesus offers a suggestion for times like these:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 The Message)
We have been presented with a life-changing opportunity. Don’t neglect deepening your spiritual life and reconnecting with God, as you continue your journey.
If we must go through this crisis, we ought not to waste the possibilities it presents. Let us all seize the opportunity to make ourselves more human and the world more humane.
Blessings,
Tom
Next month–A Terrible Thing to Waste: Part 2