Fear and COVID-19

“Who sinned?” the disciples asked Jesus. “This man or his parents?” This was a good question. People in Jesus’ day still thought in Old Testament ways. Many believed that if something bad happens to you it is because God is punishing you for some wrong. (And the opposite if something good happens it is God rewarding you). We believe differently in our day. . . or do we? I can tell you of many instances when tragedy-struck people wondered why God was punishing them. Or that they no longer will worship God because God allowed something tragic to happen: financial loss, cancer, death of a loved one. You know them. Perhaps you have been one of them. I know I have certainly questioned God about why things have happened. 

So why Covid-19? Because it is how God built the world and allowed life to flourish. That master plan allows us the freedom to live in our world, learn about it, and even change it but it also allows things like Covid-19? We cannot change this new reality. While scientists can study it, will find a cure and vaccine for it, what are we to do in the meantime?

There certainly have been a lot of reactions. This past week as Jaye and I were out shopping for our normal grocery-buying trip (which meant visiting a few more stores than normal), I overheard several conversations. Some discounted the virus as a hoax or nothing more than a cold. Maybe an indication of the lack of leadership as this virus began. But the more frightening conversations are the ones that started, “You better have a gun because people will be coming to get what you have.” A frightening reality supported by the fact that the state has been inundated with applications for a concealed/carry permit. So much so that the state back-ground check system crashed at least twice. People are afraid. You may be afraid. I know that I am worried and constantly debating how I should respond to this crisis and whether or not I am doing the correct thing. Especially since I am your pastor. I am concerned about you, your health, and how to minister to you in this time of uncertainty and fear.

I begin to answer those questions by first reminding us all of Luther who reminded us in the Small Catechism that we should, “Fear, love and trust God above anything else.” While we do understand the love and trust part, we do not always think about the fear part. In a conversation this past week over the phone a person asked me if it was a sin to fear COVID-19. While she was not Lutheran, I quoted Luther’s definition and told her, “Yes, if that fear was controlling her life.” Because, in the end, the fear of Covid-19 is the fear of the unknown; of death. 

Fear is not new to us it is a part of human life, Samuel was afraid but did as God commanded because he trusted God. The blind man and his parents were afraid but pointed to Jesus; the Truth. So our readings for today are about us. We who have been called by God, who in the Lord are light, are called to shine on Jesus in this time that seems so dark. 

But how can we do this in a time of social distancing and the drastic change in our everyday life. First, (this should always be first) pray. Pray for all those who are on the front line of this crisis: the health care workers, first responders, our government officials President Trump and Governor Tom Wolf, those who are working to find medicine and vaccines, those who provide our food. Pray for those to whom fear has controlled their lives. Then look to your neighbors. Do you know of one that could use your help? Are they in the more susceptible group? Can you shop for them? Use your telephone or computer and call those who might be lonely and have a bit of conversation. 

Yes, there are many ways to be children of light in this time of darkness. Give your fear and worry over to God – the one truly to be feared – and give yourself up to Jesus. Live in this time knowing and showing God’s unfailing love.