The Fire of Covid-19 at Easter Triduum

9 April 2020

Some years ago, there was a beautiful documentary on the planet earth. One segment on the regeneration of a forest illustrated how the cones of the trees in a pine forest only burst open during a forest fire. The cones would remain dormant until a fire cracks them open and the seeds explode out at an incredible speed. In the meantime, the fire also clears the forest floor of decaying vegetation, allowing new seedlings to take root. It takes the scorching heat of the fire to bring forth new birth and new life to the forest.

This clip of the Giant Sequoia cones breaking forth is somewhat similar to the documentary segment.

This natural phenomenon of fire being the catalyst for the forest to regenerate could be a fitting analogy to what is happening to the world right now in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. It appears that in every century, the world experiences periodical "fires" of catastrophe - some natural while others manufactured - which renew the earth and humanity. "Fires" of earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, plagues, world wars and pandemics. We know that through these past "fires", the world devastatingly lost millions of lives. The worst of humanity and the best of humanity emerged. The world also developed and evolved technologically, and (we hope) also humanely and spiritually.

The world is on fire now. The "fire" of Covid-19 has swept through many countries in a sad and horrific way. Thousands have died, and continue to do so. Businesses have shut, schools closed, church services suspended and a general lockdown imposed. The world appears to be on pause. When circumstances improve and the world restarts again, losses will not only be in lives but in areas of economy and social wellbeing.

But just as the pine forest has to suffer a fire before the cones can burst open and the floor cleared of dry foliage to make way for new growth, we must cling to the hope that new life is also being brought forth through this crisis.

Easter invites us to renew our faith that death will not have the last word, and that we will rise to new life through the power of Jesus' resurrection. As Saint Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.'

As we enter the Easter Triduum in the midst of the pandemic and celebrate the fact that through his suffering and death, Jesus brought forth new life for us, we could reflect on our own lives vis-à-vis our faith and Covid-19.

What are the viruses I have to arrest and stop infecting my soul, my morality, my goodness and love? What needs to be burnt, purged or "killed" in order to bring forth a new life in Christ, a selfless life that loves and respects everyone and all of nature?

Together with Jesus on the cross, we pray in faith and in hope for ourselves and for all, especially those infected with Covid-19, "Father into your loving hands I commend my spirit."

Let us pray that being refined in this "fire" of Covid-19, the world will break forth new seeds and new life, and witness to the goodness, the kindness intrinsic in humanity, irrespective of creed, race, culture, geography. We are indeed all one and part of the whole design. And may our Risen Lord's light, hope, peace and love heal our own lives and that of our shattered world as we rise to new life through this crisis.

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Accompany Jesus on the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

In this reflection, the passion of Christ suffered over two thousand years ago is linked to his passion today as he continues to suffer in his mystical body - in the widespread suffering of humanity around the world and most especially in Africa. Parallels to the suffering due to Covid-19 can be drawn as you reflect and meditate in this prayer experience. 

A Blessed and Holy Easter Triduum to one and all.