It's a game changer

I try not to pay much attention to internet “news” articles because they're usually nothing more than sensationalism and propaganda at their worst.  But I do ‘click’ through the ‘headlines’ to pass the time when I’m bored or curious.  Today, ironically enough, I had just finished reading the Bible passages assigned by the Catholic Church for tomorrow, when I saw the header, “What will the world look like after the pandemic?”.  I was relatively amused by the way the Holy Spirit seemed to whisper in my ear, “It’s a game changer, alright!”

“Game changer.”  That’s a good phrase to state that things will never be the same.  The invention of the wheel was certainly a game changer, as was the invention of the printing press, the light bulb, automobile, the computer, and smart phones.

In political history, the conversion of Constantine was certainly a game changer, as was the Magna Carta, the American Revolution, and the atom bomb.  The events of 9/11 and (to a much lesser degree) the election of Donald Trump as President are absolutely in this category of “game changer.”

And this coronavirus named Covid19 is presently a game changer for our lives right now. 

In the Old Testament story of Susanna, we see how truth can be game changer.  Once the truth came out through Daniel, an innocent woman’s life was spared and the guilty were punished (Daniel 13:41-62).   In St. John’s account of the woman accused of adultery, we see how forgiveness can be a game changer.  A woman’s physical life was spared, and a new life of faith began (John 8:1-11).   And a definite game changer in human history we just celebrated five days ago on the Feast of the Annunciation.   Mary said, “Yes!”  And because Mary said, “Yes,” Christ took on human flesh, and nothing has been the same since (Luke 1:26-38).

Maybe Covid19 will end up being a real game changer in human history.  Maybe we as a human race will finally realize that we are one family, under one God, that we're called to help each other and enjoy each other.  Maybe this corona virus will help us see how much we have in common and bring about a greater compassion for one another.  Maybe this corona virus will lead to greater unity and peace among all nations and people.  Why not?  As Christians, we're encouraged to dream, for “with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

Remember, the Holy Spirit, the game changer, is amongst us.