Dearly Beloved in Jesus Christ,
As you and I begin the observance of Lent on this Ash Wednesday, I want to ask you to build into your Lenten observance specific times of prayer (and fasting) asking for God’s intervention in the spread of the Coronavirus in North America and all around the world.Dr. Nancy Messionnier, the director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, said yesterday that it is only a matter of time before the virus now labeled COVID-19 begins to spread across North America. Saying that schools and businesses should begin preparing now, she said: “I understand this whole situation may seem overwhelming and that disruption to everyday life may be severe. But these are things that people need to start thinking about now.”
This is where you and I can make a difference in prayer. If you are going to give up something this Lent, give up “time” and use that time in prayer. If you are going to take something on this Lent, take up specific times in intercessory prayer. Ask God to eradicate this virus. Ask him to intervene. Ask him to help public health officials, doctors, and government officials with wisdom and guidance. Ask him to heal the victims and comfort those who have lost loved-ones. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing this virus right now in China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Iran, Italy, and so many other places.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound judgment (2 Tim.1:7). Let us walk and live in God’s wisdom asking for his help, and trusting in His mercy.In Christ,
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach
Drink lots of fluids. Do not smoke or vape anything especially medicinal weed with miraculous curative properties namely employment. If you contact COVID-19, flue, common cold pneumonia, or a broken hip, hysterically call the nearest female priest.
Women priests are known to be Boolean. You can’t lose. Either you will get one that is super sweet and compassionate or one that will scare the hell out of the virus demon.
I’m impressed that Archbishop Beach took the time in an Ash Wednesday address to bring up the Coronavirus.
I agree with him. I’ve been watching this from the beginning. I’m married to a nurse and have a son that swims the Dark Web like a fish. This thing is worrisome. It is catastrophic in China. I wasn’t all that worried about it hitting the Western World as hard until it started in Italy as it has.
Do as the good Archbishop has said. It would also be well to lay in some supplies of water and food, and other necessities so you’re set for at least a couple of weeks. That’s always sound advice, especially if you live in an area vulnerable to severe weather. At best you’ll have extra food you can later consume. At worst, you’ll be ahead of the game if you have to self quarantine…
We do take coronavirus seriously. Mother turned 99 last week. If she had her way, she would see a doctor weekly. At this time of the year, I would rather keep her out of Urgent Care (walkin, Kaiser Permanente) or any emergency clinic. She looks forward to her monthly visits to the hair dresser. At this point, I’ll keep taking her.
Ash Wednesday does seem a very appropriate time to contemplate the virus.
Interesting that we suddenly start believing the Government when the message is dire. If you have never traveled to a third world country like China, the virus is serious business because personal/public hygiene practices are so primitive. It is infectious so treat it that way. The flu is far worse. These so-called “pandemic diseases” seem to crop up on a regular basis to serve someone’s agenda.