Living in a Time of Coronavirus - from an Ignatian Perspective

It is obviously a particularly tough time in human history where the coronavirus has many people worried, unsure as to how to act and often undermined by fear. But I sense that emotions are escalating the longer we endure this period. You cap this with the general divisiveness that has become a part of our world and it doesn't lead to us becoming closer to Christ at all.

I personally now know sixteen individuals who have succumbed to the coronavirus. Two have died and one is apparently on death's door. I have also noticed it's become a little easier to behave in a selfish or irrational way, where emotions can often override good decision making.

In the early stages we saw examples of people behaving irresponsibly in panic buying or hoarding, ignoring social distancing or hand sanitizing guidelines. Others dreamed up conspiracy theories and some even attempting to spiritualize the problem as a divinely sent plague, naively believing that religious faith alone will protect them from contracting the virus.

However, we have also seen examples of great heroism (especially in front line staff), good will, human solidarity and courage. There is always a way through, people in darkness always find their way to the light.

If you didn't know, one of our greatest saints, Ignatius Loyola was a self-centered person who through a period of suffering and isolation found the path to become someone worth trying to follow. He was indeed a survivor, he survived a major life-threatening injury, convalescence, life begging on the road and times of great uncertainty. He developed an approach to ‘living through difficulty’ based on his experience and using certain rules of thumb.

Based on these insights, click here to view some reflections and practical advice which may be of help. These come from an Irish priest, Fr. Brendan McManus SJ, who I feel is truly in touch with humanity right now.