By Cecilia Ologunagba
Abuja – A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Malachy Maduewesi, has urged Christians not to be discouraged by the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but to take strength in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Maduewesi, of Catholic Diocese of Awka, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, that God had a way of turning even diseases and problems around for good.
According to him, the lockdown, occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, will pave way for healing of people, both physically and psychologically.
He said pandemic had always paved ways, not only for cure but also, for some many discoveries, citing the example of the pandemic that occurred between and 1918 and 1920.
“The Great Influenza Pandemic presents a plausible worst-case scenario for today’s COVID-19 outbreak.
“The pandemic, which lasted from 1918 to 1920, was estimated to have caused 39 million deaths, equivalent to two percent of the world’s population at that time.
“After the pandemic in 1920, so many discoveries were introduced in the health sector, as many governments embraced the concept of socialised medicine, that is, healthcare for all, free at the point of delivery, and various insurance scheme, among others.
“This time around, it can also pave way for discoveries and cure, not just COVID-19 but for physical, psychological and family diseases,” Maduewesi said.
He noted that many families were suffering from selfishness and everybody was forced to stay at home and reflect, in order to pave way for the future.
“People are now taking their personal lives and families very seriously.
“At least, 70 percent of people are at home in most countries. It has been a wonderful opportunity for families to reunite.
“So many people must have learnt a lot of lessons. Although it might have weakened us, it will definitely make us stronger afterwards. The epidemic will surely not be the end of the human race,’’ he said.
According to the cleric, the experience from the pandemic will help humanity to re-examine their style of living and ways to improve their lives.
“Let us always see the good side of COVID-19 so that we don’t lose sight of its positive implications.
“The essence of the disease is not for damnation of man. As a matter of fact, I am seeing it from the Christology point of view.
“The death of Jesus Christ was not His end. Rather, it paved way for more glorious things.
“Even though COVID-19 is being seen from the negative perspective, it has, nevertheless, taught us a lot of lessons, especially in terms of personal hygiene and sanitation. If you go to the streets now, you will see how clean they are,’’ he said.
Maduewesi said that Christians should see Easter celebrations as the hallmark of living, adding“ if we die with Christ, we will live with Him.
“Let us be hopeful. God will intervene, just as He intervened in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“He will definitely intervene in the COVID-19 pandemic and it will be a thing of the past,’’ he prayed.
(NAN)
