PEOPLE OF THE RESURRECTION DURING COVID-19 QUARANTINE

Daniel and his parents are recovering from COVID-19 infection in Bethlehem, but still in quarantine. From his “cell”, he reflects on our call to share the hope of the resurrection first to ourselves, and to those around us.    

As this story is posted, Daniel and his parents are still recovering from COVID-19 infection.  He is a young scholar in Islamic Studies & Comparative Religion.  His family could trace their lineage to 1st century Bethlehem, and his grandparents' home is a short walk from the Shepherd’s Field of Luke 2:8. 

But instead of bustling with Easter pilgrims and tourists at this time of the year, the local economy is at a standstill with the city in lock down. 

Daniel wrote about a week ago:

“The silver lining of this period of isolation is that suddenly we have time for reflection that we did not have before. I am reminded of the history of Christianity, when the Church stepped up in times of war and pandemics to feed the poor and care for the sick. May this new pandemic be a reminder for us all to be a beacon of hope for those who suffer in Italy, Iran, the USA, and all over the world. May we be known during these times for our prayer and care for all God’s creation.

“Our faith is based on the Resurrection, the ultimate victory of life over death and pain. Though we are currently walking through the Via Dolorosa, the path towards the cross, we are reminded God is with us in our pain. Through Christ, God in His love and mercy suffers with us and for us.  We are also reminded that Christ defeated death and pain on the cross, and rose again to life and victory. We are people of the Resurrection!  In these perilous times, may we proclaim that hope of the Resurrection first to ourselves, and to those around us.”