“...And
God Said, 'You're Grounded'”
By
now, people are so sick of hearing about the corona virus and its
impact. Businesses, schools, restaurants, theaters, and other types
of industries have closed down or are closing down. If you really
think about it though, God is certainly trying to tell us
something...
When
we were children, we may remember how our parents grounded us as a
form of punishment by restricting our privileges. We didn't like it
at the time. We didn't think it was fair. However, they did it out of
love to try to teach us what was really important so that we would
grow up to learn values and respect. With the outbreak of this corona
virus, we might remind ourselves that we are all children of God, and
our Heavenly Father is telling us that we're grounded. Our usual
privileges are being removed to help us to get our priorities in
order. Is it any coincidence that all of this is taking place during
Lent?
God
gives us all many gifts. Just the ability to wake up and breathe the
breath of a whole new day is a gift. If we have food, clothing,
shelter, and loved ones, these are also gifts. Faith is a gift.
Attending Mass is a gift. Our talents are gifts. How much do we
appreciate them though? In the past 20 years or so, just look at the
way our society has treated our Lord's gifts!
During
historic tragedies such as the attacks of September 11, 2001 and
numerous school shootings, our stunned nation took the time to pause,
to reflect, to hold our loved ones a bit closer, and (even briefly)
to turn to God. How quickly we forget what we never should have
forgotten!
This
is a historic time. You are an example, and young children are taking
mental notes. How you respond to this moment will stand out in their
memory. Take the time to share food with the elderly who cannot get
out to buy groceries. Take the time to forgive petty differences, to
check on neighbors, to comfort those in need. Whatever you choose to
do, if nothing else, remember this – at the end of our time in this
world, God isn't going to ask us how much toilet paper we managed to
pack away into our closets and cabinets.
