The Bible shows us how we are all equals regardless of our age, gender, position and wealth. At the end there is death, where we can’t control when or how it will happen. We will one day leave this earth and our earthly bodies and when that happen we can’t take anything with us.

With the recent news about Covid-19, the world faces a deadly enemy — one which seem to take life without us knowing how, and one which can’t be stopped easily. Somehow, our fears of war and all the gun shooting seem nothing big compared to this sort of invisible enemy which has caused panic worldwide.

For the first time, I see “soldiers” in the hospital — not the type that holds guns but those with scrub suits, white gowns, and stethoscopes. As I write this, I find myself suddenly thinking of these men and women running to and fro in the hospital corridors, with limited sleep and with their lives at risk. It seemed it was easier to battle an enemy that holds a deadly weapon compared to one unseen and can’t be rid of easily.

In all these, I see people worldwide made equal — we are all at risk regardless of who one is. It doesn’t matter who can receive the best medical care anymore. Rich or poor — one needs it for if we neglect the other, we neglect ourselves. We are all even mandated to avoid crowded places and be watchful. Yesterday’s lockdown in Manila proved that. And in such dire times we see, that with an unseen enemy, there is also an “invisible” God — one who is constant before death came.

Death, it is never the end… but with this let us be reminded and affirmed there is a God who defeated death and can bring about the cure not only to the Covid – 19 but also to the fear that spreads more deadlier than the virus itself. This is the time to pray rather than to worry. This is the time to unite…

With this I encourage for us to pray…

• For those who were found positive and are fighting for dear life. Amidst the scare of death, hope comes in a form of those who survived it and the wisdom gained by doctors, nurses, and caregivers… (why are news of the virus’ spread more rampant compared to those who survival).
• For the safety and well being of doctors and nurses who are in hospitals being on the front-line… They too feel tired, may they be comforted and encouraged and be ensured healthy.
• For the families of those infected — to remain steadfast in prayer and comforted by our loving Father. May hope rise in their hearts rather than be gripped with fear.

More than ever, even if we can’t meet much in person and are encouraged to limit our distance, may we comfort each other through the following:

• Send someone a random “hello” and prayer through chat or via call
• Smile at people when meeting them on the street. In case you are wearing a mask, a simple nod as a “hello” will do.
• Greet someone with a “God bless” even if you don’t know them.
• Pray on the spot when you see a news about Covid-19. Treat it as a prayer request from a stranger who badly needs it.

While we do worry for our own health, the last thing we need to do is to discriminate and feel disgusted over someone who may seem to have a flu. We are to practice cautiousness but it doesn’t mean we let ourselves be troubled in such a way we forget to care for others…we are to work on this together.

The Bible may have shown us countless times of how death made us equal, but more than this it also reminds of us of the very source of life — one that see us equally and with love. I pray you rest in this fact God gave us the victory over this regardless of who you are in this world.

Instead of worrying, pray about everything…