ARTICLE: Not the Same Again
“Life will never be the same again. This changes everything.” How often through this strange time of social isolation have we heard words similar to these? We are all struggling in various ways to do things differently, to improvise, to create. And it cannot be an “accident” that we are called to live in such different ways through the season of profound transformation, when the movement from death to life is being celebrated around the world in this season of Resurrection. So what might living differently in a changed world look like? What can we learn from our common experience? How might transformation take root in us, in society, in Church and on the planet?
We are all seeing and hearing heartening stories of how people are adapting to lockdown and restrictions. We know also of other stories: reports of family violence, fear, loss, the suffering of those already poor or homeless, anxieties about job loss, business failure, reduced income. But, overall, it seems people are appreciating the new space in their lives. We have more time to be with one another, either within our households or virtually. The reflective, contemplative opportunities of being at home are pure gift to many. And clearly the creativity of young and old is flourishing and is celebrated in the media. Working parents are released from long commutes in gridlocked traffic, giving them more time with their children. Many have found that working from home has been productive.
It is true that the more intentional we are about living differently into the future, the deeper our transformation may be.
___________________________________________________________
“Something dies but something new is born — which is why the chaos of our times is, in a strange way, a sign of hope; something new is being born within. Out of chaos, a star is born. Breakdown can be breakthrough if we recognise a new pattern of life struggling to emerge.” — Ilia Delio
___________________________________________________________
The pandemic and efforts to slow its spread have changed the world profoundly. We are living with stronger global connectedness. When other countries suffered the ravages of epidemics like Ebola, AIDS, malaria and measles, we were scarcely affected. Their over-burdened and under-resourced health systems often failed to cope and thousands of people died. Now that Covid-19 has reached into our homes, perhaps we will be able to show a deeper compassion and practical support to poorer nations and affected groups.
The world has also been brought together more closely as nations cooperate with one another — helping citizens abroad to get home, easing trade restrictions, sharing information and medical expertise and providing medical technology to countries in need of it.
Cuba sent medical help to Italy and Taiwan sent it to the Vatican. A New Zealand nurse from Invercargill helped to care for the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Saudi Arabia recently announced a unilateral ceasefire in the war in Yemen to start immediately — a move that could pave the way for ending the brutal five-year-old conflict. This move was motivated by the fear that the coronavirus might take hold in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world. Boundaries are shifting in many different ways.
For Christians Holy Week and the Easter season are gifted times. While churches have been closed, laity and clergy have worked together – with technology – to create meaningful and sometimes extraordinarily creative liturgies. The theology and creativity which shaped these events may bring significant changes into future practice. I’ve experienced many highlights: a wonderful homily given by a married couple; the tenderness of handwashing between people in their bubbles on Holy Thursday — so meaningful at this time when handwashing is essential for health; beautiful images to enhance Scripture readings, and the joyous intimacy of an Easter morning liturgy offered from within a local presbytery.
It will be important to carry some of these insights into our post-lockdown Church. They are too precious to lose as we go forward. And despite lockdown rules, Churches and individual parishes have still found ways to support those who need many kinds of assistance. We have much to ponder in our hearts.
Significantly, there are many reports of purer oceans, cleaner beaches and reduced air pollution around the world (72 per cent clearer in Aotearoa) because of people being at home. We’ve heard of Chinese cities in which stars can be seen for the first time in years. At home we see empty motorways and pristine beachfronts.
Earth is responding to us stopping our ceaseless travel. We can see the evidence. Do we want to continue allowing the planet to breathe? Greenpeace is showing the way by campaigning for the transformation of the ways we live, work and interact with our planet. Instead of an agenda of “shovel-ready” roading projects, the movement is calling for clean energy, regenerative farming practices, electric vehicles and the overall “greening” of our economy.
The pandemic is ongoing. We are still restricted. The future is unknown. But it is not too soon for us to consider and discuss the kind of future we hope for and to start applying the lessons these difficult days are teaching us.
Dominican Elizabeth Mackie is a former assistant editor of Tui Motu Magazine, a former Congregational Leader and lives in Dunedin.
Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 248 May 2020.