Do Pandemics Kill Compassion?

A fresco by Luigi Vacca depicting the plague of 1630.

David Brooks published an article in the New York Times a week ago that brought to light the harsh reality of how humanity dealt with pandemics in the past. It’s worth reading. Our history of navigating the tensions of compassion and contamination has been less than stellar and at times shameful.

The quarantine, or forced isolation, is hard for many people — especially those who struggle with substance use disorder. One of the greatest struggles with addiction is freeing oneself from self-imposed isolation and letting someone in to the internal struggle. It’s not difficult for an addict to come up with a reason to drink or use… our current plight only exacerbates the problem.

CALL TO COMPASSION: WHAT NOW?

• Opt for real human contact over social media

• Make a phone call, talk to a neighbor, engage in a real conversation

• Find someone you can serve

• Practice thankfulness - there is a silver lining in this madness

• Laugh - watch a funny movie, AFV or whatever gets you laughing

My pastor, Jason Sterling, shared this timely quote, “Wash your hands, yes. But remember afterwards to wash feet as well.” Our love and good deeds will demonstrate to our friends, neighbors, and coworkers that we have a certain hope that runs deeper than the uncertainty of this moment. We believe in a resurrected God and we will serve him to the very end.

”Maybe this time we’ll learn from their example. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to take steps to fight the moral disease that accompanies the physical one.” ~David Brooks