Easter Sunday :: COVID-19

[17] So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself. [18] But some man will say: Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith. [19] Thou believest that there is one God. Thou dost well: the devils also believe and tremble. [20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 

~ James Chapter 2, Douay-Rheims 

This year, I said I wasn't going to bother with much at Lent beyond curbing the snark and sarcasm. I did. I learnt to be a tad more lenient to inconsiderate neighbors and random annoying strangers. For the old folks on my team's roster, we faced a drop in volunteer numbers from January, and as busy as everyone is, we stepped up to fill the gaps. We are the core team after all. It reminded us of those early days of volunteering when we were noobs and didn't have help. It reminded us of what's at stake, and what's important, renewing our faith and focus.

Living with movement restrictions under #COVID19 lockdown, 'circuit breaker measures', isn't a sacrifice. It totally isn't, and we know it. This is #FirstWorldPrivilege. Being able to #StayHome comfortably and be free from worries of food supplies and continuous income is utter privilege in every aspect. The global movement restrictions doshed out to cities have flagged an unprecedented amount of inequality among social classes when it comes to living conditions and healthcare, access to internet and electronic gadgets. It’s chilling.

Beyond Lent, we don't just look out for ourselves, we look out for people around us. During this time, we should check in more with those in our social sphere that we care about. If Lent is a time of penance and service, then I have fulfilled it to the best of my ability. Let love, kindness and reason guide us. I rarely use this phrase, but it is apt for these times. This too, shall pass.