To the Editor:

While most people may be in agreement that COVID-19 is a great equalizer in the human condition, i.e., that no matter our social status, gender, age, race, economic level, or belief system, each of us have an opportunity to face this common enemy (evil, if you wish) with an ever growing faith and a profound vision of what life can be about.

Several of us are sheltering in place, looking for meaningful things to occupy our time. Many of those opportunities, in previous times, would have thrilled us. Sleeping in, gatherings with friends, watching some favorite movies on TV, doing schoolwork at our leisure — wow! All of this and heaven, too! Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But as we are all too aware, most of this will “become old” before very long and we will be looking for other options to satisfy our thirst.

I would suggest that, in spite of all of the inconveniences and sensible cautions that accompany this dreadful disease, we might take advantage of the time and space now afforded us, and do some things that would, surely, better our lives and those of some of our neighbors. The Christopher Movement used to call for us to “light a candle rather than curse the darkness.”

I am sure that each reader of this letter has a suggestion or two to offer us examples as to how we might do such. For starters, allow me to name a few: 1) check on those in your neighborhood, more vulnerable than you. A “telephone reassurance call” letting them know that you are available in case of an emergency; 2) Develop your relationship with your God through prayer, both active and contemplative; 3) Delve into that book of a spiritual, philosophical or theological nature that has been sitting on your bookcase for years; 4) Read and reflect on one chapter from the Sacred Scriptures, each day; 5) Sit quietly for a few moments, each part of the day, pondering how you are going to effect the atmosphere in your family, school, athletic team, music and art club, social and environmental milieu — when this nightmare is passed.

So, as we struggle with so many concerns (No “March Madness?”), light that candle! Stay safe and know that God is near.

Rev Leo McIlrath, Ecumenical Chaplain

The Lutheran Home of Southbury

Sandy Hook March 24, 2020