Reflection
The words echo from as far back as the Book of Genesis: “Am I My brother’s keeper?” Now as then, there is no evading the answer. As a nation we are in the grip of a virus that has sickened and killed an incredible number of us. People are dying alone and families are grieving. To deny responsibility for one another’s health and welfare is unconscionable. To refuse to take the simple steps to protect one another claiming infringement of freedom is the ultimate self-centeredness. This has nothing to do with politics. Scientific facts are not dependent on personal opinion. This is harsh reality. Our actions can mitigate or exacerbate the situation. We are responsible. “Am I my brother or sister’s keeper?” The answer? “This is the greatest commandment: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Prayer
Create in me a new heart.
Action
Separate what is right from what is comfortable. As we face another time of pandemic crisis with the oncoming cold weather, what are you doing to protect yourself and others from illness? How can you personally stop the spread of this insidious virus? Do not listen to those who twist the facts.
Suggested Reading
Am I my brother’s keeper?
Genesis 4:9
Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4
We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:5
We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.
Pope Francis
Love consists of a commitment which limits one’s freedom – it is a giving of the self, and to give oneself means just that: to limit one’s freedom on behalf of another.
Pope John Paul II
A nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in the responsibility for upholding the common good.
Barbara Jordan
I believe I have a personal responsibility to make a positive impact on society.
Anthony Fauci
Leadership is about vision and responsibility, not power.
Seth Berkley
Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.
John Hoeven
No decisions should ever be made without asking the question, is this for the common good?
Michael Moore
What it missing, I think, is this notion of the common good.
Susan George
Our humanity makes us each a part of something greater than ourselves.
Sonia Sotomayor
Deep human connection is … the purpose and the result of a meaningful life – and it will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity.
Melinda Gates