Photo courtesy of Bro. Paul Nyray Antonino (Kamera Kwaresma 2014 Entry)
1. Simpler yet healthier lifestyle
A few months ago before the lockdown, we’ve been busy ants, carrying all the work that needs to be done. We almost forgot the basics of living a healthy lifestyle. Proper diet, regular exercise and an 8 hour sleep that builds up the energy that we need to survive a day. Now that we’re currently in a quarantine, staying at home in order to prevent the spread of the virus, we can make it an opportunity to make up ourselves again by prioritizing our well-being. While we have all this chance, eat home cooked food, drink freshly squeezed fruit juice or freshly brewed coffee or tea, get 8 hours or more of sleep, and take some time to exercise. Not only it will be advantageous for us, we can also be a huge help by leading as an example on how to build a strong immune system.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
2. Nature’s Break
While we are asked to stay at home to follow the precautions, our Mother Earth is healing in silence. If you heard the news, you should be aware that the ozone layer is starting to heal itself again after being feared of being totally destroyed. Fishes in Venice canals are also going back to their habitat when the water went clearer as a crystal. These are not just good news but also signs of hope? I’m afraid to say that what we believed as a normal way of living our lives was toxic for our nature. So, in order for us to hear more of these, discipline should always take place.
You shall not pollute the land in which you live, for blood pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it. You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell, for I the Lord dwell in the midst of the people of Israel. – Numbers 35:33-34
3. Stronger Bond
Most of us might have been fed up and literally just rolling our eyes in dismay and disappointment whenever we hear news that is not in our favor especially when there are people who will be greatly affected by it. Statements and decisions that we think as lame because we have something in mind that could work better as a solution. The people in authority may not always address our personal thoughts and opinions, but it doesn’t mean that it’s hopeless and there is no way for a better change.
Despite the good intention behind the community quarantine, we have fellow Filipinos who are being compromised because they are not financially prepared for a crisis like this. Stories of love and generosity all over social media is strengthening our faith in humanity. Helping doesn’t need to be extravagant, or an instant big time, as long we can put smiles on their faces after trying to do what we can, that is something that we can be thankful for.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14
4. Love and Sacrifice
“Not all heroes wear capes.” This one famous quote is saying that a being a hero doesn’t necessarily mean having a supernatural power like what we see in the big screen such as Superman and Wonderwoman. Because heroes are not fiction, they’re real. And you don’t need to dream at all to travel on another world, they’re visible on our own.
The doctors, nurses, healthworkers, soldiers, policemen, pharmacist, food vendors, they have the option to keep themselves safe at this time when our health is at risk and everyone fears of being in contact with a COVID positive patient. Despite the threat, they chose to be the frontliners just to give service to their neighbours, they serve as a shield to avoid the unseen enemy on passing to the massive population. To simply show our cooperation in the simplest way we can, following the mandated rules set by the authorities is already a big help in order to make their sacrifices worth it.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. – John 15:12-14
5. Strengthened Faith
The Lord from above won’t give His people a challenge that they cannot survive. From all His firm believers since day one, to those who are inactive but still believe, those who just regained their faith and even those who don’t. He always got our back and He will never close His doors. We can nurture our faith by starting to change our perspective in life. Instead of saying, “Why is this happening to us?”, why not make it “What is this teaching us?”. The impact is different, isn’t it? By that, we can already prevent negativity from taking over our minds. If at least an hour or two a day we’ll give our time speaking to Him, we can get the answers that we need. We can get enlightenment instead of anxiety, a relief instead of fear. With prayer as our greatest weapon against all odds, nothing is ever impossible. We are blessed because even though public masses are cancelled, we can still attend and receive the word of God through online masses.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. – Philippians 4:6
