Good Change
What if we used this time—this forced lifestyle change to inspire good and unite humanity? To make our world a better place. How then would we reflect on this time in quarantine? Maybe, we’d remember perseverance and unity rather than boredom and divisiveness.
Without a doubt, this pandemic brings new perspective. When everything you know is suddenly taken away, transformed, vanished—it’s a wake up call.
In a matter of days, people across the country and world were forced inside, separated from loved ones, increasingly cautious of sickness, and left out of normal work life routines.
With such momentous change one is compelled to look at life a bit differently— to prioritize a bit differently.
One can only hope that for most people, a new appreciation might bloom. An appreciation for personal health, for healthcare workers and services, for nature and free time outdoors, for work-life routines, and even grocery runs! A new appreciation for loved ones, communities, schools, service providers, neighbors—all those who touch our lives.
This time might also inspire personal reflection and betterment— an opportunity to consider new ways of being, interacting, and leading.
For Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, this time has sparked a vision of new priorities for society and for the Church in the midst and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would be happy if this crisis led to greater solidarity not only in Germany, but throughout Europe”, Bätzing said, adding that he also hoped the outbreak helped the world to identify what’s really “important in life”. - Excerpt from Novennews.com
In a public address on April 12th, Bishop Georg Bätzing gave two concrete examples of how the Church can change its tone on sexual morality during this time without deviating from doctrine: first, on its accompaniment of gay couples and second, on its veto of married men from the priesthood.
On the first question – that of the Church’s concern for homosexuals – “for a long time in moral theology we’ve said that, if it’s true love that lives commitment and faithfulness, we must recognise it,” the bishop explained, stressing that “if people decide for themselves how they live, can’t we tell them that their relationship is blessed by God?”.- Excerpt from Novennews.com
This pandemic has inspired change; change to evolve and to include as a Church. A call for adapting doctrine to include all those who live and practice faithfully— no matter sexual orientation or marital status.
Bishop Georg Bätzing’s message is inspiring. One can only hope that more leaders will capitalize on this opportunity to make great change in creating a more inclusive, understanding, and fair world.
That after such devastation— we will come back stronger, more united, and more accepting than ever of all races, cultures, backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, and ways of living and being in community.
Maybe we will look back at all the good that came from Covid and find peace that we made this challenging time matter. We found purpose and a way forward. That is a future to hope for.
To read more about Bishop Georg Bätzing’s address, please visit: