Everyone has an extraordinary experience as 2020 begins
Although the social situation in Hong Kong has become relatively calm, the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak has once again stirred up a state of panic and insecurity among people. Suspension of school classes after the Lunar New Year holiday, the work-from-home measure initiated by the government and supported by the private sector, along with the suspension of some retail and catering businesses to pass the cold winter have brought back memories of the deplorable situation of the 2002 to 2003 SARS outbreak.
The two outbreaks are 17 years apart. Yet after all this time and despite advanced technology, we can’t stop viruses from raging again. Our society is much richer than before, but protective gear such as face masks is hard to come by no matter how wealthy you might be, due to the shortage of supplies.
In spite of today’s much better information flow, people still scrambled for food items and daily necessities because of a message from an unknown source. When we are faced with the uncertainties caused by a new type of disease, it is perhaps only human nature to be anxious and worried. However, how do we maintain peace of mind in this situation?
According to this week’s reading, the Lord had said to Abram: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). It is believed that people are full of doubts, as we are used to staying in our own comfort zones. However, “Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (Genesis 12:4).
Abram responded to God’s call with faith, showing his complete trust in the Lord. It is because of this trust that he dared to venture out of his comfort zone, hear God’s voice and calling and live according to his instructions. Similarly, it is because God “has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9).
Facied with the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic, we have confidence in God as did Abram, the father of faith. We have to step out of our comfort zones and find our calling.
When we prepare our protective gear and necessities, we should consider the needs of others, especially the underprivileged. Don’t hoard. Don’t speculate. To fight against the epidemic, capable people should must more of their resources so that everyone has what they need. This is what we should do to respond to God’s calling and bring peace from God to our neighbours.
Lenten Campaign Organising Committee, 2020
