This incident reminded me that the COVID-19 pandemic is also a historic opportunity for Christians to practice the command of the Lord Jesus to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Never before, at least sine the second world war, has the entire global community been stricken by such a calamity.

And as always, it is the poorest of the poor who are suffering the most. As factories and places of work are shuttered, incomes and livelihoods of millions of people increasingly dry up. In our barangay (village), an appeal just came out last night to help feed 187 indigent families in our community. I am sure you are aware of similar scenarios unfolding where you live.

Christians have been criticized (rightly in many cases) for being too “heavenly-minded” while neglecting the plight of the needy. It is not wrong to “set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2). But we also have to be mindful that we are still in this world. There is no better example than the Lord Jesus Christ. When He was on earth, He was the friend of the poor and miserable outcasts of society. He challenged His disciples in this way-- “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you.” (Luke 14:13-14a).

Even more astoundingly, Jesus commands His followers to love their enemies (Luke 6:35). You may have been in conflict with someone in your family, office or community. Now is the time to show your kindness to that person and show him/her what genuine Christianity is all about.

There are countless ways you can manifest your love for others today. Beyond giving material things, you can spend time to listen to those suffering the pangs of loneliness. You can offer a helping hand to a mother struggling with young kids. You can simply be there for a friend who lost a loved one. You get the idea.