Church in covid times

 Certainly the covid-19 pandemic, earlier in the first wave last year and now the deadlier second wave, has exposed many weaknesses in society be it the health care system, an organised community to fight unified battle and a government system still unable to act swiftly due to its inherent lack of decisive leadership. Be that as it may, the other most influential organ of the society, the church has also not kept up with the everyday challenges. Some churches have taken up feeding mission for the health workers and covid patients, while some have offered their buildings including schools to be utilised as makeshift covid hospitals. However, the pandemic, while also being a great equalizer in its range and global impact, is also exposing and exacerbating the injustices and economic inequalities in our societies. The virus does not respect borders, wealth or status and is affecting all people directly or indirectly. However, the most threatened are the vulnerable people – those suffering from chronic illness, the aged, the poor, minorities, disabled people, migrants and all those living on the margins of society. The mission of the church is to reflect the love of God through service to humanity. It is laudable when churches provide food or hand over buildings for covid patients. However, churches and faith communities are called to accompany the most vulnerable people and communities, as well as to be in solidarity with each other. This is a mission that the church must faithfully carry in obedience to the command of Jesus Christ who illustrated divine ministry with His life, teachings and actions. The church is not about a group of congregation meeting on Sundays. Today with the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, there are no Sunday meetings. Many feel the lockdown is a tool to destroy the church. However, it must be reminded that even the Bible itself encourages small gatherings. Specifically in Matthew 18:20 Christ promises that “ where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). This recognises that also in the smaller gatherings required by public health protocols, the Holy Spirit is present and at work. The pandemic may have disrupted the usual Sunday gathering but it has also opened another big door for the church to work towards strengthening collective efforts in meeting the challenges thrown by the deadly second pandemic wave. In many hospitals, not only covid infected patients but even health workers face mental trauma. Donating food, medicines or money are very essential. However, at such trying times the church must never forget that it is called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Both in ‘normal’ times and in times of crisis, the church is to give witness to the love of God. The church has to acknowledge and proclaim that God’s love is steadfast. Though the darkness of uncertainty may currently surround us, our God stands with us and assures us: “Do not fear.” To meet the challenging role of being counsellors and to assist health workers, the church needs to remind itself that it is to feed the sheep as Christ commands it to do.