Exceptional times

Two things stand out to me from all the commentary about the coronavirus. First, the virus was entirely unprecedented; so many of us underestimated it. Second, those who are being sent home from school or work are optimistic that they might make good use of this time. We often wish for things to slow down, and now society is actually shutting down. I am no exception among those many shocked and rattled, those who underestimated the virus. I am also no exception among those who hope to make the most of their time at home, dusting off old projects and looking forward to family time.

But I would like to point out a couple of exceptions to these mentalities.

We should not be shocked that we didn’t anticipate the virus; of course we didn’t know it was coming. The fact of the matter is that we do not know the future. We operate on assumptions every day of our lives because many of us can determine with a fairly high degree of certainty that we will wake up tomorrow and put our feet on the ground. I can say I will eat dinner later this evening, and that is probable to the highest degree…but it is and always will be just short of absolute certainty. We became so comfortable with our habits and successful plans that we forgot that we operate on assumptions—not givens.

I am not advocating that we cease operating on assumptions. That’s simply not feasible, not to mention illogical and imprudent. However, I think the shock of these times should remind us to recognize that the future is always uncertain. The steadier routines of our lives are fragile gifts, and knowledge of the future is never ours to claim. We don’t have it all figured out, and we never will.

On the other hand, many students and some in the workforce have been forcibly given at least a week’s vacation and time to work or study from home. All the closures and cancellations result in a lot of free time. What should we do with it? The number of articles about spending time with family and learning how to rest and take it slow encourage me. I am excited for this time, and I think it will be very good to disconnect from the hectic bustle of normal life. But in the face of real crisis, let’s reflect on our day-to-day priorities.

Let’s learn how to pray better and live at a slower pace on the regular. I hope this is primarily a time of reformation rather than accomplishing big projects or relaxing. Whatever the new normal may be and whenever that may come, let’s not resume our breakneck pace as if nothing ever happened. We are always called to conversion of heart, especially during Lent. This is the perfect opportunity to challenge ourselves and make real, sustainable changes. In twenty years, I don’t want to look back on the coronavirus crisis and remember cleaning out my closet.

Lastly, let’s heed St. Francis de Sales’ homily on St. Joseph and pray for both saints’ intercession. When the angel commanded Joseph to hide in Egypt with Mary and Jesus, there were many unanswered questions. St. Francis said, “The anxiety of not knowing when he should leave must, undoubtedly, have greatly afflicted and tormented his poor heart; nevertheless he remained always the same, always gentle, peaceful, and persevering in his submission to God’s good pleasure, by which he let himself be completely led.”

Into the uncertain future and through the desert of conversion, lead us, Lord.