Is there another human catastrophe that could have the world-wide effect of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19? Would a war, an earthquake, a tsunami, a massive terrorist attack like 9-11, a solar flare that impacts a portion of the electric grid, or even a nuclear strike in one or more nations shut down the entire world? drive billions of people to avoid anyone outside their families? cripple a hugely-successful economy in the United States? cancel “Masses” at the Vatican and worldwide? shut down the almighty sports machine? and cast doubt on science as the great savior? There aren’t many events on Earth capable of causing such worldwide panic. Those who have eyes to see, must clearly see God ‘s displeasure with mankind in allowing this particular scourge.
And it’s the particularity of it that’s so striking. Much like when Jesus left his detractors dumb by saying, “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s.” It was the perfect response to a trick question that no one could have expected. And now, this scourge seems to perfectly, though tragically, address the evils of this present age. It is no longer “business“ as usual. It’s hardly business at all. And since the Church seems to have ceased preaching on the four last things, we are reminded of them by this virus. All elective “surgeries“ have ceased including abortion and that which shall not be named. Families are thrown together for security and assistance instead of torn apart by selfish distractions and the pursuit of ever more wealth. No doubt promiscuity has abated. And with the cancellation of the Novus Ordo, many Eucharistic sacrileges, such as communion in the hand, have been halted around the world. Immersing oneself in sports on Sunday has ceased. And children, blessed children, are spared, for God loves childhood, just as the devil hates it.
If we may be so bold as to thank our Lord for the clarity this scourge brings to mankind, while appealing to Him for its abatement, we would do well perhaps in discerning its meaning. Let us petition for hope, that infused virtue increased by request, and in so doing place our trust in God. Spera in Deo.