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October 26, 2020As you know, I am finally doing better and waiting for an all clear from my doctor before returning to ministry. However, with the news reports of increasing COVID-19 infections, I wanted to extend a personal appeal.
First, do not be afraid! We cannot let fear dictate our lives and must place our trust in God. This does not mean to be imprudent and ignore the virus, but to take appropriate precautions. Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance. Notre Dame of Mt Carmel COVID-19 guidelines include these safety measures. Thankfully, gifted scientists have discovered new medications to treat COVID-19 and the case fatality of the disease is becoming less every day.
Second, from personal experience, it can be difficult to know if you have the virus. When I got tested I did not feel sick at all, just a little tired. Yet the virus can move quickly: while at the beginning I felt normal, in about a day or two I felt all my energy drained from me. And almost in the same way, I recovered just as quickly. As your brother in Christ, I ask you to please be charitable to all of your brothers and sisters in Christ and to stay home and get tested if you start feeling ill or unusually fatigued. Testing will help us to overcome this virus until a vaccine is discovered.
In that same spirit of charity, I would encourage all of you who have been in high risk situations to get yourself tested. At the time I returned from Italy, there was no quarantine requirement for me. However, I knew that travel in any form placed me at higher risk, so I went to get tested, and am so glad I did. None of us wants to spread this virus to others. So if you do travel, go to a large gathering such as a birthday party or wedding, or any other place where you come in contact with many people, show that charitable love to others and get tested.
Finally, we must pray. It is our prayer warriors I want to thank for all of the prayers received during my illness. We can never underestimate the value and the power of prayer. So if you or anyone you know has COVID-19 and would like us to pray for them, let us know. We as a community want to help you with prayer. And if you prefer to remain anonymous and would like the prayers said for a special intention, that’s okay, too.
Again, do not be afraid, God always walks with us and does not abandon His people!