What would Jesus do faced with the coronavirus?

   This is an interesting question.  After all, Jesus faced leprosy head on, touching and healing a man from it.  But what does leprosy and the coronavirus have in common?  The coronavirus is much easier to contract.  And even if you are ok, you could infect others.  Leprosy does not work so much like that from what I know.

   So, we are left with much speculation.  Being God, He could have healed all that came before Him.  And so we look to the Mass where people come before Him to receive Him in the Eucharist.  We do not need less of Jesus at this time, but MORE!  Many bishops are trying to be prudent in keeping their flock safe.  But suspending public Masses does not seem to be the remedy Jesus would want.

   I will be an obedient son of the Church and do as my bishop decides.  Are we likely to spread the disease at Mass?  Yes.  But is stopping public Masses going to stop the spread?  No.  Maybe if absolutely all travel was suspended.  However, we are so dependent upon others, especially at this time in history.

  How could we actually stop this multiplying disease?  We cannot, but God can.  The same Man that calmed the seas and healed the leper can stop this disease.  We need more Jesus!  Pray and go to Jesus, especially in the Eucharist.  Is receiving Jesus a magic healing to prevent us from getting sick?  No.  But doing so is much, MUCH more powerful than ANY disease.

   Are you asking for everyone to go to Mass and share their sickness?  No, we must be prudent.  If you are sick, you may be obliged to stay home to prevent others from getting sick.  Your Sunday Mass obligation is abrogated, just ask any priest.  And while at Mass, be prudent.  No handshakes and such.  Perhaps have one door person to prevent everyone from having to touch the same door handle.  Prudence is good, except when it keeps me from Jesus.

   St Damien of Molokai, the Apostle of the Lepers, pray for us.  Ask God to rid us from this terrible disease and help us to get closer to Jesus.