My Coronavirus Prayer

As I sit here at my desk I am pondering the coronavirus  and covid19, the infectious disease that results from exposure to the virus.  I am not a scientist, and I do not fully understand the workings of the virus, and so cannot offer any new information about it.  Nor am I an epidemiologist, one who deals with the distribution and possible control of the disease.  I am, like many people, a well-educated non-specialist.  There are other things I am better equipped to deal with, other questions I can answer that are in my field of study.  But one of those questions does have to do with the virus, indeed, with diseases in general.  And while I haven't heard it yet, I know I will.  It usually goes something like this:  "Did God cause this to happen?  Are we being punished?"

From where I sit theologically the answer to both questions is no.  Not even a qualified no.  Coronavirus was not caused by God, nor is God using it to punish us.  It just is.  It evolved, as such things do, and now we are faced with dealing with it.  In the past we human beings haven't dealt very well with the uncertainty that a new (or newly discovered) disease brings into our lives.  Think, for instance, of the reactions to HIV/AIDS. We are often too quick to blame the victim.

I hope as we move forward over the next few weeks, months, or whatever time it involves, we will have an effective yet  measured response.  I hope we will rely on the best science has to offer.  I hope government will take a leadership role and do so in such a way as to realistically provide approaches to containing and controlling the spread of it.  I hope the world of Wall Street will avoid panic and recognize the importance of adjusting expectations.  I hope each and every individual will be responsible and follow the recommendations of those in positions to suggest preventive measures.  I hope no one will blame those who are sick for being sick.  And I hope none of us will fall prey to the temptation to blame some divine force for the appearance of the virus. That, in a manner of speaking, is my prayer.  My fervent prayer.