Aug 21st, 2021: A New and Tender Phase in Dealing with Covid-19
There is a new form of discrimination. One that exists between the "vaccinated" and the "non-vaccinated" We are now entering a very tender phase of dealing with COVID-19, one that divides families, society, religious communities, workplaces, and more. Just imagine this is how we are going to greet one another:
"Hey, How are you?"
"I am good, and you?"
"Me too. What's new?"
"Not much, you know. It's COVID-19"
"I know. By the way, are you vaccinated?"
"No, we are not sure what to think."
Then comes the awkward silence.
We have allowed this virus to divide us and destroy human relationships more than any other political ideology. It is rather is distressing to see its power and control over our world.
Somehow people who are not vaccinated are not welcome to participate in the normalcy of life. They will not be able to travel. They will not have the right to work. They will not be allowed to a community swimming pool. These folks are now the lepers of our time.
What is happening to us? We don't shut people with disabilities out because of their lack of ability to function effectively. We didn't ask people whether they had AIDS during its crisis. We don't ask people about their sexual preferences during job interviews. We allow people who abuse themselves with smoking and drinking to have the same access to our health care and work opportunities.
I am vaccinated because that is my choice. However, I don't think I should impose my decision on others. The opposite is also true. I won't refuse pastoral care visits because people are not vaccinated. There is some other stuff in life that will contaminate me faster and more seriously than this virus. They don't just kill me physically but also spiritually. In our lack of spiritual discernment, we welcome them as normalcy. We have also rejected the only vaccination that God has offered to us.
Let us be honest to ourselves and be kind to one another. After all, to love is to walk with others in suffering.
John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
