Reflections on Life during a

Reflections on Life during a Pandemic

We have witnessed and experienced many levels of negativity, pain, and suffering during these times. And through this, we have discerned a deeper sense of respect, appreciation, and gratitude for all those who are pursuing this frontline battle against this virus: doctors, nurses, hospital staff, policemen, grocery store clerks, etc. This experience has also made us realize how extravagance is a mere illusion, and thus learned how to appreciate the simple things in life: quality time with our families, opportunities to learn new life skills, appreciating the true beauty of nature, or simply waking up to a new day in the morning knowing that you are well and healthy, with another chance to become a better version of yourself, and most importantly, to reconnect with God.

We must never forget how our spiritual growth during times like these is ever so vital in overcoming these trials. For instance, I, along with my family and relatives, have made it a habit to pray the Rosary together every day. In these moments of prayer, we have reached a deeper understanding of how faith can be our key to perfect resilience and a reminder that there is always hope, that everything will pass. It is also through prayer that we are able to express our petitions and intentions that all may be safe from the devastating effects of this disease. This pandemic has also sparked kindness in each one of us, evident in the tremendous increase in the amount of volunteerism and charity work. People from all walks of life contributed by giving supplies to frontliners and helping those who lost their jobs, to lending a loving hand to those who are suffering from mental and psychological distress.

In every trial, a silver lining can be found. This should be no different from this pandemic experience. In one way or another, there will always be the byproducts of learning and embracing our longing for experiences and emotions. We are to always seek the sun beneath the dark clouds, the stars embedded in darkness, and the rainbow after the rain. With faith deeply rooted in God’s love, we will soon emerge victorious and more empathetic than ever. Until then, let us lift each other up, share God’s loving grace so that we could walk together towards a better world we have yet to discover.

By Francesca Julia B. Punsalan Grade 9 student Mary Help of Christians School (Pampanga) .....................................................

I want to share the “miracle story” of my father. It all started on September 2, 2020, when my dad complained about stomach pain and vomiting. A few days later, my dad’s sickness got worse, and my mom called my godfather to take my dad to the hospital. The following day, His swab test confirmed that he was positive for Covid-19.

He was sent to ICU because his condition was deteriorating; his condition was critical because of his chronic diseases (uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol). The doctor said that if his saturated blood oxygen continues to go down, his chances of surviving will be very slim. Meanwhile, my mother and I continued praying the rosary as often as we could.

Then, the miracle happened, September 8, Mama Mary’s Birthday. My father’s condition suddenly improved, and they brought him to an isolation room. He felt Mama Mary’s touch that had given him the gift of healing. The doctor visited my dad and happily informed him of his remarkable and fast recovery. On his birthday, September 19, he was out of the hospital, completely cured of Covid-19 with no scars on his lungs.

This experience strengthened our faith in and love for God. Miracles happen because we trust in the Lord. After all, we have devotion to Mama Mary, Help of Christians, and deeply believe in her powerful intercession.

By Maree Clare S. Pulanco Grade 5 student Mary Help of Christians College (Laguna) ................................................

With all the worries this pandemic brought us, I stood firmly with my long-time belief that everything has an end making death one of the constant in this world. Death happens with or without a pandemic. It probably has made everyone paranoid. I also feared death. Because of the pandemic, I decided to live life slowly, savoring every moment of my life with my kids, my husband, my friends, and my family. Since I cannot be a full-time mom, the moments of Covid-19 gave me savoring moments with my kids. I started to enjoy playing with them and being groovy over their “kakulitan” without thinking of the paperwork and deadlines.

I cannot stop death; God owns you and me. It is at this time that I let God do things beyond my control. See, we have an ending, and God is the only one who can tell when. Therefore, this pandemic will soon end in God’s time. It will meet its deadline. They may sound like cliché but, I believe at the end of the dark and lifeless tunnel is a ray of light that will guide us through the way and that there is a rainbow after the rain. Love conquers all. Make a life. Show kindness to one, and it will multiply.

By Mrs. Nina Marie L. Pojas Teacher Mary Help of Christians School (Pampanga)

Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” In this time of uncertainty and inevitable changes. One must set a foot forward to keep going. Because of the situation brought about by the pandemic, we feel hopeless about what might happen tomorrow. There is always the fear of losing someone we love or being infected by Covid-19, and the question: will I endure the challenges of this paradigm shift? It keeps me believing that whatever happens, I must choose to move forward.

As a Salesian Educator, it is not easy to adapt to the new teaching-learning process and cope mentally and emotionally with these changes. One misses these: the longing for the presence of every student in the school campus, the laughter that one hears in the quadrangle, the queue in the school canteen, the discussion inside the classroom, and the fun-filled activities in the gym that makes the school much alive. A challenge that does not end in missing but recreating this in the virtual world.

This situation made me realize that I must be resilient and creative in living out my passion for educating and being with the young. And to keep my faith ablaze, trusting Him that all will be all right in time. Lastly, I listen to St. John Bosco’s words: “Whatever you do, think of the glory of God as your main goal.”

By Mr. Earl Anthony B. Tubillo Teacher

Mary Help of Christians College (Laguna)

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In the first months of 2020, things were pretty good until Covid-19 arrived. Suddenly, our plans crumbled.

Often, we question God on why did He allow these things to happen. Isaiah 55:9 says, "For the heavens are as high above earth as my ways are above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts." Indeed, God's way of planning is entirely different from ours.

If we expand our perspective, we can see opportunities for reflection and transformation. We realize that we disrupted wildlife and exposed ourselves to viruses that paved the way for Covid-19. Thus, this pandemic is a message for us that something has to change. If we take these insights seriously, we can transform our lifestyle for everyone's betterment.

The disruption of our plans is warning us that we are heading in the wrong direction. We must change our ways so that soon, we can finally achieve our dreams and aspirations without compromising anyone or anything.

By Juztine Peralta Grade 10 student Mary Help of Christians School (Cebu)

This pandemic may claim thousands of lives, deprive us of many things, and may seem like a punishment that makes people feel hopeless. But God does not want us to see it that way. He wants us to look at the other side, the positive side. You might have lost someone you love, but you have found someone who was there for you to make you feel better. You might have lost your job, but you have found other means to put food on the table. You might not feel the presence of your classmates, but you have felt the presence and love of your family. You may not see it with your own eyes, but you can feel it in your heart. It may be difficult for now, but everything has a reason.

By Ms. Rotche L. Laborte Teacher Mary Help of Christians School (Cebu) ....................................................................... Panache in Pandemic Times

I started the year 2020 with Joyce Rupp who wrote:

“A new year stands on my doorstep. With fragile caution, I move to open the door for its entrance. My heart leaps with surprise, joy jumps in my eyes; for there beside this brand new year stands my God with outstretched hand! He smiles and gently asks me: Can we walk this year together? And I, so overwhelmed with goodness can barely whisper my reply: Welcome in!” I re-echoed the welcome and I told the Lord: let every moment be a getting ready for my “grand homecoming”.

At my age, 82, death becomes a “beckoning hand”. And then, the pandemic! Covid-19 reminds me of the tenuousness of existence – that death is a reality that can come unexpectedly, in many ways and guises. And I ask – when my time comes, may I be ready? Will I be ready? Ann Voskamp gives voice to what is in my heart:

“Whoever. Ready for the end here. Whoever. Ready for the first meeting of Him there Whoever. Soon Will I have lived fully – or just empty? How does one live ready, and always? Yes, ultimately, only Jesus. Yes, this premature dying to self, birthing into the crosslife, the grace cocoon before emerging into the life unending. Without Jesus no, one can be ready.”

With Jesus in these pandemic times, I can respond with PANACHE (a sense of spirited style and self-confidence) in order to dare to live fully right where I am. Panache comes from a “spiritual vision” with God is grace to see all this in the light of faith. How does the Lord open my eyes; what do I begin to see?