Anxious, yes of course, but there can be calm as well
“From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us.” _ Pope Francis
We do live in interesting times. For a few years now I have been feeling that I am one of the many characters in some kind of ‘end of the world’ book. Every year the weather gets more concerning. Fires around the world that appear to get worse every year. Not to mention how quickly and strangely our culture is changing. The song “How Bizarre” seems to come to mind.
Now the Coronavirus is upon us. The abbot gave a good talk this morning at our Sunday Chapter. He did mention some anxiety, which is normal for most of us at this time. Yet, he said, we can also be calm in the midst of uncertainty and continue to live in a peaceful and serene manner. Even if we go into lockdown, the virus could still rip through our community….a fact of life. Being one of the elderly, that gave me some pause.
I suppose for ‘Baby Boomers’, who are now considered among the elderly; at least those in their late 60’s and early 70’s) are being forced to think of our own morality in a more in your face kind of way.
People are told to stay put. Perhaps at this time, it could be used for some reflection about life, how it is going, what we value as important, and learn to see what is not needed, or even wanted if really thought about. We are controlled by society in more ways than often thought about. The so-called ‘masses’ are us.
Those with faith could use this time to deepen their understanding of their path, and seek to deepen their trust and love of God. As well as love for themselves and others.
I am 71, Death, or the thought of Death is no Stanger to me. I sat with my dying brothers for 30 years here in the monastery. Now I am among those who are ‘elderly’, and when I know that 20 years will pass by in a ‘blink’, I can think about my own demise in a more or less realistic manner. I love life, and want to live until I am at least 90, so I am not looking to die. Yet I am not consulted on when or how I will leave this world. The main thing is to live my life in a manner that is loving towards myself and others and to deepen my love and trust in God.
We each choose in the end how to deal with life, with the present situation, and ultimately, in how we will face death. Never undervalue the many small choices we make every day. They become habits and lead us to our destination.
May God bless all of us, and keep us—Br.MD
