Follow the Faith

December 2019: the Coronavirus Disease was first discovered in Wuhan, China. Since that time, I have repeatedly heard the phrase, "Follow the Science."

In the beginning, I was just as fearful and intimidated as the next person. As most of my co-workers stayed home, I went to work at an empty office each day and tried religiously to educate myself on the precautions needed to keep my family and me safe.

I found the information confusing and contradictory as I watched with utter amazement the swiftness of government mandates closing businesses, schools, and, to my horror, locking the doors of all churches, including my local Catholic Church. 

I always find great comfort during times of trials in seeking Jesus, especially during adoration and in receiving the Eucharist. I was now forced to face my fears without His physical presence.

It is now August of 2021, and after all this time, I still find the information confusing and contradictory. Mandates and protocols are constantly changing. In summer, the President announced that vaccinated people were no longer required to wear face masks. Two months later, the President announced that all people - vaccinated or not - should wear masks. 

The Media claims that vaccinated are rarely vulnerable to infection or serious complications. And yet, I sit here today knowing more vaccinated people ill with coronavirus than those ill who are unvaccinated. 

The term "Follow the science" is used across media and local, state, and federal governments. But how does one follow science that has not had time to reveal itself?

I have read the studies and research that followed the 2019 outbreak. Several vaccines have been approved for emergency use. 

There are several coronavirus variants at large, including the B.1.17 (UK variant), B.1.351 (South Africa variant), B.1.617.2 (Delta variant) and several additional variants with bird names such as the Robin variant, which were identified at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Earlier this year, it was reported the Robin variant accounted for 28% of all coronavirus cases in Louisiana. Today it is the Delta variant that has a stronghold on the state.

I have read conflicting views regarding the efficacy of the vaccines, as well as the status of natural antibodies of a previously infected individual. 

I have read conflicting opinions on the use of face masks and heard the pros and cons of lockdowns. Most research papers end with the words "it is not clear..." or "more research is needed." All of this has lead to my conclusion that there is no science to follow at this point. But I still have my Faith to follow.

Jesus' Word has revealed the truth to me: 

"I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." John 6:35 

"I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me, will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 

"I am the Resurrection and the Life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die." John 11:25 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in Me. In My Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you." John 14:2 

"I have conquered the world." John 16:33

I choose to follow Jesus and my faith. I choose to live in faith over fear. 

The statistics tell me that 30% of all coronavirus victims have little or no symptoms. Only 14% have severe symptoms, and only 5% are critical. There are many millions more who have recovered from this virus than have succumbed. 

History tells me there are reasons that God allows trials and disasters to happen. These are historic times with unprecedented illness, disease, natural disasters, and religious persecution. 

The world's Catholic population too quickly allowed our churches to be closed and our God-given Sacraments to be put aside and controlled by the state. This is a time of choosing.  

Our mother Mary has been appearing on Earth since Fatima and has continuously warned us of the consequences of our choices. She has repeatedly informed the faithful of the right decisions to bring about peace and avoid eternal damnation. 

She gave us a battle plan in her message to Father Gobi on August 4, 1979: 

"These are the hours of battle, and therefore those weapons which I have prepared especially for you must be made use of: the consecration to my Immaculate Heart, the frequent recitation of the Holy Rosary, and the practice of the first five Saturdays of the month in reparation for the offenses committed against my motherly heart."

This is a time of following. We must allow ourselves to follow our consciences and allow others to follow theirs. It causes me great pain to see the divisions and demonization between both the vaccinated and unvaccinated. 

We must each have freedom of choice and the freedom to practice our faith. We must trust in Jesus and know that He is our Bread of Life, our Truth, and our Way. He is the great Healer. Taking the time to pray each day and attending weekly worship will make a difference. 

I choose to Follow my Faith. One day my body will succumb to something. We are not meant for this world. When that day comes, I hope that I meet my Jesus, and He tells me, "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

Amen.