Since the dawn of modernity, humanity has perceived itself as capable of managing this world on its own. Human beings began to think of themselves as authors of their own destiny. For those who were educated in this mentality, the obvious fact that the so-called modernity only favored a few, that vast majorities were excluded from the benefits that the modern world brought, mattered little. Postmodernity questioned the achievements that modernity promised and even proposed that it had failed. However, the daily lives of modern and postmodern human beings did not change. Humanity had become accustomed to using and abusing the benefits that the modern world had brought. Life was more comfortable, individual freedom was seen as an absolute value and even opposed to the common good. The abuse in the handling of created goods was not too worrying. Selfishness and excessive ambition led to the limitless manipulation of creation and to making invisible the most vulnerable.
This lack of control had its consequence. Covid-19 arrived. Suddenly everyone felt this threatening presence. Humans quickly saw their possibilities limited. Little work, inability to move from one place to another. Whether we like it or not, our habits had to change. Many denied the situation. Some did not want to comply with the imposed restrictions. Others recalled God who had long been forgotten in the places of worship and began to demand direct action from him.
The gospel that the Catholic Church proposes to us for reflection today shows us a different approach. Jesus did not deny the situation in which he had to live. He did not blame God for alleged inaction. According to the gospel, Jesus came to bring good news. Jesus took care of the pain of many. He did not solve all the problems that afflicted the poor, but he did his best to help those who trusted him. He not only announced the good news, but he also made it palpable among those who in times of crisis needed it most. What is our attitude to the situation that we must live in this time? That of denying and blaming or that of accepting responsibility and serving.