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Coronavirus Wisdom: Lessons from the virus!

The Coronavirus has shut down the world. It has caused the death of thousands in China, hundreds in Italy and Iran. It continues to threaten life all over the world. However, there is a lot of wisdom church-goers can gather from the epidemic.

Scientists say that Coronavirus spreads by physical contact only. It is not airborne. So, the best way to stay safe is to avoid physical contact.

Shaking hands is an import from the West. Before colonialists and missionaries came to our shores (Indian subcontinent) we used to greet each other with folded hands--the Namaste! It is a grand, gracious posture! Why can't we go back to it? Stop passing the kiss of peace which some Christian traditions practice or the holy embrace in other traditions. None of this has any biblical foundations. Yes, Paul wrote to Corinthians 'Greet one another with a holy kiss' (2 Corinthians 13:12), but if he addressed the letter to Bangaloreans, he would have said, 'Greet one another with a holy Namaste!' It is a cultural matter!

Now, coming to the practice of holy communion in some traditions. These traditions interpret the biblical phrase 'partakers of one cup and one loaf' literally. They make the participants drink from the same cup (with lip-contact) and pinch the same loaf. There is nothing more unhygienic than this! We don't know how the early Church practiced the holy communion. It seems that each community had its own way of sharing a meal and eating together. This phrase doesn't have to be taken literally, it is a metaphor of our oneness in Christ.

Many congregations have already moved to separate communion cups and wafers. But some are very literal still. The virus seems to tell us that it is time to get some wisdom in this matter also.

I heard a preacher in Singapore say that when the church is gathered there will be no virus activity! He argues that there is powerful angelic activity where believers are gathered. That is sufficient protection, he says. He also quoted Psalm 91:10 that, 'No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent' to support his position. I can see his concern about losing Sunday offerings and its impact on his annual budget.

Don't be fooled by such preachers. Their eyes are on your wallet and not on your health nor the health of their country-men. Avoid them to avoid the virus! And detest them as much as you detest the virus!

This a time not to panic but to pray. When the plague spread through the camp, Aaron charged his incense and stood among the people to protect them from its spread. This is a time that the Church do the same, intercede for the world--the health of those who are affected and the protection of others. Let's cry, 'Kyrie Eleison', Lord have mercy!'
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