PANDEMIC HOMILY
By Archbishop Peter Chong.
Today the whole world is faced with a pandemic like leprosy.
In the 1960s there was no vaccine for leprosy. The only way was quarantine in Makogai Island. Today, as Catholics we are proud of the SMSM sisters and the Vukevuke (SOLN) who worked in Makogai. My uncle was a leper and he had to quarantine in Makogai.
St Fr Damien: worked as a missionary in the leper island – Molokai, Hawaii
SOCIAL DISTANCING: NT CONTEXT: Persons with leprosy were instructed lock down; practice isolation from the community, and to warn those approaching them with cries of “unclean, unclean.”
JESUS BREAKS THE LAW TO MEET HUMAN NEED & SICKNESS
Today, we face the corona virus pandemic.
Good News: 7th Feb WHO Report
FIJI: 56 cases; 2 deaths
Case of NCDs
Cardiovascular disease is more likely to develop in people:
NCDs can be lowered by Fijians making healthy choices for themselves and their families. Being physically active for at least 30 minutes every day, stopping tobacco use, eating more fruit and vegetables, and limiting intake of salt and salty foods all significantly help to prevent the risk of NCDs. Stopping tobacco smoking is the most critical lifestyle change that can be made to avoid the risk.
GOSPEL AND CHURCH TEACHING ON HEALTH
Jesus heals the leper. The healing begins with the leper. He presents himself to Jesus.
We must want to be healthy. Jesus came to give us life – life to its fullness.
We have a choice: life or sickness; Life or death.
Respect for health – Catholic Catechism
2288 Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God.
We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.
The Catholic Social Tradition calls us to work toward the common good, knowing that the good of the whole community depends on the good of each person
WHO: The future is in our hands, and together, we can turn the tide to ensure we have a brighter, healthier future ahead for all Fijians.
Practical Ways for Living Catholic Social Teaching
Parish, SCCs, families: We must reach out like Jesus and help heal people.
