Near Yet Far: A Pandemic to Remember

 COVID-19 Pandemic has created havoc globally. There are several studies that have been conducted as relates to the physical and psychological effects of Pandemic. Those effects are devastating and will remain for many years to come. Economic devastation is mindboggling and will take years to recover from this economic fall. Ample ink has been spilled on these topics of immediate concern and hence, states and organizations have come forward to address them with almost hastily. Therefore, I would like to focus our attention on two other aspects of human need and they are social and spiritual effects.

The human need to interact and mingle with others is necessary for our growth and evolution. Peaceful coexistence is possible if all persons engage in proper social contacts. The growth of the child largely depends on the society where children learn the traits of life and besides they gain knowledge from each other's experience. Likewise, adults socialize at work or otherwise which bonds them to live peacefully and hence evolve as whole human beings. Spouses and family members feel the effects of social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus. Family members are skeptical to touch each other which is natural because families want to protect each other. These effects are serious and will have a longlasting impact on individual growth. These impacts also might lead to human disasters such as enmity, quarrels, and alienation of others. Persons treat others with less dignity and respect due to distancing. Touch plays a significant role in the physical and psychological growth of individuals. This basic sense of touch has been curtailed due to the virus. It might take years to break this new normal of untouchability. 

Humans are spirit and body. Spiritual needs of humans fulfill other needs that are tangible. Although spiritual needs are not merely religious based but also inner peace emanating from the conscious. For many person spirituality rooted in religions as an impact on human growth and evolution. Worship places have been shut their doors. Persons have been denied access to their worship places by this deadly virus. Their right to a relationship with God has been trampled and destroyed. This will have effects on families and society. The relationship between God, humans, and the environment has been disturbed and will take years to bring them to perfect unity. The distance has been widening as the COVID virus is taking its toll around the world. Many have lost their loved ones and in retrospect, they have asked questions such as 'where is God?, why God is silent? why is God allowing this? is there, God?' 

In conclusion, I suggest that all of us reflect, ponder, and share our own struggles in fighting this virus. Human growth depends on all aspects such as physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental. As our healthcare workers strive to help in combating this deadly virus, I urge everyone to focus on life and growth holistically. Help those who are struggling with their social and spiritual relationships. It is crucial to focus on these aspects so that humans grow and evolve as a perfect human person. The human being is possible only through a blend of all essential aspects. I appeal to find ways and means to bring this blend and help each other in this noble task. 

Sin in the Church.

It is nauseating to read the Grand Jury report on priests abuse in the State of Pennsylvania yet it is not easy to erase the reality that has long been swept under the carpet with a strategic cover-up by the Church authority. As my Sunday pastor perched today, "secret has made the church sick and enough is enough." The Catholics find themselves in quandary in this whole sage of child molestation in the church. They are so confused about what to say and what to do now. Obviously, every Catholic would stand with the victims but can they condemn their church? 

The grand jury report has enshrined the abuse done by the predator priests graphically. The predator priests who took nude photos of a bit posing as a Christ on the cross. Another predator priest forced a boy to give him oral sex, then washed his mouth with holy water. Another predator priest abused a boy so violently over several years that his back was injured. These are the few evil acts of predator priests out of so many to mention here on this blog. 

The grand jury has brought a huge slap to the church. This slap must have been brought about 3 decades ago. Hence, victims could have brought some sense of justice. 

Three things to note, firstly, the grand jury is strongly condemning the cover-up by the Church while this could have dealt with more efficiently. Most of these cases cannot be prosecuted now because they are beyond the statute of limitations. This means the victims have not been served justice because of the hush up was done by the Church authority. Most cases the predator priests were moved to another place without any alarm. 

Secondly, the revelations have taught us that it's time to speak up and not remain secret. Victims will feel ashamed but it's not their fault. Victims must speak up in due time so that they are safe in the hands of the powerful. If parents see any signs of behavioural changes in your children or they tell you that someone touched them inappropriately, don't shun them to shut up but try to inquire what has happened behind that behaviour. The church also needs to speak up because harbouring and protecting a predator is more dangerous than being shamed for justice. Jesus will appreciate if the evil is reported to the proper authorities. The church does not have trained investigators, hence, hand over the case to the competent authority. 

Thirdly, this is a humanitarian crisis not merely sexual and spiritual crises. Just like, refugee crises, every attention must be given to this. Everyone must get angry but not lose hope. Righteous anger can challenge us not to withdraw but to embrace because the victims need us now more than anyone else. If Catholics run away from the church now it simply gives the impression that we don't want to take responsibility for the acts of the church leaders so we technically remain silent to protect ourselves. Catholics and other faiths must stand together to fight this cancer of abuse in the church and society. There will be fear, anxiety and hopelessness as we follow our faith. But this can be turned around only if we embrace our fear so that courage can be our reward in our faith. 

In conclusion, it important to report of any suspicion of abuse to the competent authority. As the Gospel says, everything hidden in dark will be brought to light. Nothing can be hidden in this world. No place for secrets in this issue. See something, say something, know something, say something. This way we can protect our innocent children from the predators. Let's us learn from this experience of abuse and cover-up that God is speaking that evil cannot be tolerated. God always speaks to about tired but powerful have silenced God's voice of justice. Give God a voice please and don't silence him.