Oneness Restored

Oneness Restored

Episode Five: COVID Hits Different

Amos 5, 8:1-6, 1 John 3:16-18, Matthew 25:34-40

Guests: Susan Sorenson and Judy Kim

Episode Summary: 

No one could have predicted the way COVID-19 would affect our world. Our entire world ground to a halt because of a virus that was invisible to the naked eye. Economies crashed. Schools closed. Corporate worship services moved online. People fell sick. The death toll kept rising. A health crisis became politicized. There was mass hysteria and confusion. As we longed to go back to normal, normal never came, and we slowly came to grips with the fact that COVID-19 would define how we organized our lives for many years to come. COVID-19 truly seemed like the great equalizer in 2020.

But as the novel virus became more common, we started to see that not every community saw the same effects from COVID-19. The fragility of the US medical healthcare system became apparent. The coronavirus pandemic overwhelmed many hospitals. It also highlighted disparities in access to health care among communities of color. Death rates among African American, Latino, and Native Americans exceeded others. Racist remarks and actions were directed at Asian Americans, by citizens and by the President. Job loss and unemployment affected some communities more than others. The digital divide became apparent as many communities of color and low income communities struggled to keep up with virtual/online learning.

How should we care for fellow image bearers who are disproportionately feeling the effects of COVID-19? Are there things we can do individually, and as a church to create loving actions marked by justice and righteousness to make this new normal a little more bearable for others? How can we carry one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ?

Descriptions and Definitions:

Equity – the quality of being just, impartial, or fair