Faith Formation - A New Reality

Over the past few months, the global Coronavirus pandemic has ushered in a new reality. Even without a pandemic, we needed something to force us to slow down.   Such is good advice … a positive step in the right direction – an antidote to a crisis of a different type. Perhaps we can look at it as a much-needed wellness reality check  . . . perhaps when the crisis has passed, we will find a new appreciation for a slower pace of life.

 

Such will require implementing some key considerations:

The first one is to stay healthy yourself. Like airline attendants say in the safety briefing before take-off: If the oxygen masks drop, put on your own mask first before helping anyone else.  In that light it has been suggested to ‘model for others how to live without panic’. Doing that can be a presence of care & compassion for the ‘least of our brothers’.  Live life with a sense of calm being emotionally present and toning down anxiety generates trust and provides the right kind of care in any crisis.  People will imitate our calm and compassion to assist them in reducing their own anxieties.

Other ways to respond, include showing up for people, even if just digitally; listening, especially to those who feel overwhelmed by the crisis; leaning into God’s sustaining presence; not being afraid to talk about worst-case scenarios; not downplaying people’s fears; praying; and feeling free to decompress when worn out.

The following thought is from a friend of mine, Randy Chevrier.  This sentiment really resonates with an offshoot from this different reality which is now upon us. It concerns not just who we are socially distancing from but who are no longer is with us.

“I think when you live in a time like this, where the world slows down for an extended period of time, the people you miss the most, are the people you can no longer ever connect with. And then you realize ‘normal’ life distracts us from a lot of ‘I miss you’s’.”

Also, we should remind each other of the long view…. the bigger picture as Catholics. One theologian said, "God’s loving presence was here before the universe itself, and it will be here long after the universe has passed away. Seeing ourselves as part of a much larger picture offers a degree of humility, ‘groundedness’ and hope.” Such a mindset can help us maintain a sense of hopefulness about God’s loving presence in our lives, even when circumstances threaten our hope.

Many religious scholars insist the pandemic is a time to think theologically. It’s also a time to think about the profound inequality of our world — and what people of different faiths and backgrounds can do to make things better.

When public health crises occur, they often bring to the surface deep problems that have long deserved attention and now must be faced. On one hand COVID-19 has led to some bleak circumstances but in the background we have people acting as instruments of God showing resolve to help make the world better.

In that light, it’s also important to not let the bad news about the virus be the only thing we pay attention to. We need to think about what we surround ourselves with -  what we read, listen to and watch.  It is necessary to tune into things that give us hope.

Through this process, a couple reflections really resonated with me which cause me to be hopeful that a real change can evolve from all of this. The first is the reflection by Laura Kelly Fanucci seen below: 

 

In her “I Don’t Want to go Back to Normal” Elena Bernabè believes that this difficult period has ushered in a real revolution and lessons for all of humanity. You cannot help but be compelled into retrospective thought and change after reading the following excerpt. The full reflection is attached in a separate blog published later:

“It’s time for the turning point. It is time for each of us to do our part really. Not to resume everything as before. But to start again in another way. More creative. More responsible. More aware. More true. I no longer want normalcy. I want the masterpiece.” ~Elena Bernabè

Consider the blessings in your life and the hope that we have through God for our future as we pray . . .

In closing, music is often a commentary, a mirror of the times but also can be seen as an escape … even an antidote.  Take a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful renditions of Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World” and Foo Fighter’s “Times Like These”.  See below for the links and enjoy!  These special cover versions of these songs highlight difficult times for the world but focus on messages about unity, peace, being more considerate of others.  They show how our response in challenging times with gestures of kindness can change the world and make it an enjoyable and loving place for everyone globally. Above all they speak of the creation of a changed world – for the better . . . which hopefully will be the silver lining in all of this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6d6Yo3DwVI  - Heal the World - Child Prodigy Cover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_7p4TE6ixU - Live Lounge Allstars - Times Like These

Billed as "the biggest ever Live Lounge," a group of artists gathered in their homes to cover "Times Like These" as a response to the Coronavirus pandemic. BBC Radio 1 organized the event, calling it "the biggest ever Live Lounge." The Live Lounge Allstars version was released on April 23, 2020, with all profits going to charities!

PS . . .