Brothers and sisters, in the time of severe and unusual crisis like what we are facing because of Covid-19, we are tested to dedicate ourselves for the sake of others. If there is anything important for us to learn from this crisis caused by Covid-19, it is the sad truth that everyone isn’t safe.
If calamities and crises are the issues, it can be said that we Filipinos are well-accustomed to calamities and crises. When Taal Volcano erupted just more than two months ago, Filipinos impressed with overflowing kindness for those who were affected. When Typhoon Ondoy and Supertyphoon Yolanda, as well as the war in Marawi happened, support emerged from those unaffected, helping the victims of these calamities. With the occurrence of this pandemic, there seems to be a difference. Everyone is in danger—the elderly, children, rich and, poor living in cities or in provinces. And since everyone feels the danger, it seems difficult for us to think about the sake of others aside from ourselves.
We witnessed this during the incidents of panic buying in stores and supermarkets the past few days. This occurred after the sudden rise in reports of positive cases of Covid-19. Those well off went on a buying spree for food, alcohol, sanitizers, soap, tissue paper, and many more items, until they ultimately emptied grocery shelves.
Meanwhile, many of us can barely buy the necessities, such as soap to wash our hands more frequently. There are those who do not have enough supply of water, who can only save enough for cooking, bathing and laundry. Many of them cannot afford to be absent from work because they need to earn. They would even risk getting this illness through crowded spaces, such as packed jeeps and buses just so they could make a living.
What may not be easy to realize is the fact that this contagious virus is asymptomatic, which makes it more dangerous as people who have it without the symptoms may continue spreading this disease. Even the few who are supposedly protected now because of their masks and alcohol, who ride in their cars and live without the need to be close with other people, until when will their protection last if majority of the people are already infected?
The current Covid-19 crisis shows us this deep and great barrier between those who are well off and the poor. In our country, many people don’t even receive minimum wage, not even what we call the living wage that is enough for a family to live with dignity. Many people lack the capacity to provide enough food, shelter, medical support, and sufficient amount of money for their families, or what is called social insurance, especially during an emergency, such as the Covid-19. They are forced to risk their health just to go to work.
If we can ponder on this, the teachings of the Church about giving just and sustaining wages to workers, and reducing the social differences in society will also serve to protect us all in order for everyone to choose the safety and health in times of epidemics like what is happening now. If many Filipinos are forced to risk their health because of scarce funding, we are all ultimately affected. There won’t be anyone truly safe in the long run. This is a clear lesson from the Covid-19 crisis. In the book of Luke 10:27, “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Brothers and sisters, accompanied by our camaraderie and compassion, let us strive to right the wrongs in our society.
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