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COVID-19 that was suspected to have originated from China Wuhan has cost thousands of precious lives. Thousands of people are getting affected every day and the death count continues. Although it is reported that in China, the epicentre of COVID-19, there is weakening sign of spreading, it is in all likelihood that COVID-19 will go on affecting millions of people around the world. While sharing the pains and sorrows of those who have died, the bereaved and those affected by COVID-19, there are lessons that we may consider as ‘beneficial’ in the long run.
Recently, the most powerful man on earth POTUS President Donald Trump came to India trumpeting about his country’s supremacy. He lectured us about the military might of US, the most powerful nuclear weapons, latest war technology and jet planes. The Prime Minister of India listened with awe and admiration. PM Modi declared that India will be free from all threats once it acquired war equipment/technologies from the US. But today both the leaders are locked up behind doors by COVID-19. The world’s most sophisticated weapon proved useless in the face of the tiny virus. In a similar vein, Communist China has been proudly showcasing its large armed force and brandishing its weapons on many occasions as if nothing on earth could destroy them. But COVID-19 taught them that they should be more mindful of the virus rather than weapons. Great countries such as China, USA, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Iran, etc. are mildly tamed by COVID-19. These countries feel proud of this “visible world” and challenge each other. But they can’t behave in the same manner in the “invisible world” where there are billions of micro-organisms living in it. Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi and all other powerful people in the world have gone into hibernation threatened by the tiny virus. Power, wealth and fame do not save people. It is time to leave behind pride and acknowledge the existence of each other.
The world’s atmosphere is in critical condition of survival due to smoke produce 24x7 by factories, vehicles and planes. Millions of people, seeing and unseeing species are dying every day due to smoke pollution. After a few days of COVID-19 that broke out in China Wuhan, a picture taken by NASA shows the return of pure quality of air above the sky of Wuhan. All over the world, COVID-19 will force to shut down factories; vehicles and planes will be restricted to move in large number. This will greatly help the earth to regain fresh air and improve her health. The restriction of many Luxury Cruise Ships to sail on the seas and shutting down of industries and factories will reduce effluent flowing to seas. This will once again give time to marine life to regenerate and flourish. While human beings are continuously destroying the earth, COVID-19 became the protector of the earth.
COVID-19 is a reminder to us to realise that this earth does not solely belong to human beings. It equally belongs to all other seen and unseen species. Today we are destroying the earth by testing nuclear bombs, by intensive use of chemical in agriculture, non-stop activity of deforestation, and heavy industrialization. We have been exploiting earth’s resources beyond measure because of engaging in ‘nothing for good’ researches such as weapons of mass destruction, going to Moon, or to Mars, or to explore the world universe. If we are wise, we should have been taking care of the earth but unfortunately, we are not. In the name of development and economic growth, we have destroyed habitats and killed millions of seeing and unseeing species creating a huge imbalance in eco-system. When the balance of nature is disturbed, it strikes back causing natural calamities and epidemic. COVID-19 is a striking example of nature’s reaction to the human oppressive activity.
In this modern world, people put their total trust on doctors, technology and medicine to save lives that they refuse to acknowledge the power of God. Since no medicine is available for curing, once again COVID-19 reminded us to seek God’s help and protection. I am not saying that we should not go to doctors or take medicine when we get sick. No. It is just that we must not forget God in all circumstances especially when human power becomes impossible. So here COVID-19 is opening an opportunity for us to acknowledge God, pray more and build up a better relationship with God.
COVID-19 is providing time for family members from different places and professions to come and stay together (especially in developed countries). We have been too busy with our work that we don’t have time to stay together with our loved and dear ones. Only on death, we gather and shed tears together. Remember, God has given us beautiful people to live a happy life. Take this time to spend together in love and in prayers. Don’t wait to be quarantined in a lonely place to understand the importance of being together with family members.
We live as if we are not going to die. COVID-19 is a great lesson for all rich people in the world as it is a ‘sign of death’. World’s billionaires are losing their wealth by billions every day due to COVID-19. Once again COVID-19 reminds them of the meaninglessness of accumulating enormous wealth through corrupt means because everyone is going to die sooner or later. No one can take anything to the grave. These people have not only destroyed human relationship but also that of nature as they compete with each other to be at the top list in Guinness Book. If the top 20% world’s rich people repent, control their ferocious economic activity, and share their wealth, the world would have been a much safer place to live than now.
Well, I am not saying that COVID-19 continue to flourish and spread to every nook and corner of the earth. No. I am just saying that COVID-19 should be considered as a ‘warning signboard’, or a ‘speed breaker’ for the whole world to pause for a while and understand that ‘we are going too fast’ and that ‘there is danger ahead.’ ‘Speed’ and ‘consumerist culture’ are enemies of nature. As desired by COVID-19, let’s all remain indoors and re-examine our relationship with each other, with nature and with God. Only a right relationship will bring healing and save us from destruction. Human beings are created in the image of God to take care of the earth and all that is in it. If we disobey God’s commandment, then nature will react and strike back. If the world refuses to listen to COVID-19 and take action this time, another epidemic more dangerous than COVID-19 will surely strike back and put all of our lives at risk. Repent or perish!!
ZK Pahrü Pou
Mission Colony, Pfutsero