Every day feels like April Fools

I checked the internet and learned that there are many explanations about the origin of  'April Fools Day''.  One that struck me as plausible was a connection with the end of the winter solstice and the fact that the weather at this time of the year changes rapidly and fools us all.

Who could have predicted the “climate” we all are in now—with the threat of the Coronavirus seeming to turn upside down almost every aspect of our normal lives?  One refrain I keep hearing from thoughtful people in this moment is the paradox that, as we are forced to separate from each other (“social distancing”), we are also realizing how connected with each other we truly are and how much we need each other.  That conviction, in fact, is at the heart of our Christian faith.  The belief that we are all daughters and sons of God and that we are responsible for each other.
 
The story from the Book of Daniel both urges Israelites to remain faithful amid suffering and assures them of God’s protective care. (Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95)

In the Gospel of John (John 8: 31-42) there is also a threat of violence, as Jesus’ opponents, the religious authorities, bitterly criticize him.  But Jesus offers words of comfort to “the Jews who believed in him:” ‘If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The heart of Jesus’ teaching (and the example of his life) was precisely this: Jesus taught that the “greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart and soul, and our neighbors as ourselves.”  That is the truth that sets us free and will help us persevere this present threat.