“One of the unexpected impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may be that a society that feels besieged by the threat of the virus will increasingly treat scientific information, and not just scientists, seriously.” Nicholas Christakis

One day last week we paused to watch a dumpster load onto a truck. This is a familiar experience from my childhood, for my dad was a roofer and often used dumpsters at job sites. My children were fascinated- my oldest, an aspiring engineer, admired the pulley….my middle child just loves anything with dirt…and my youngest eagerly described the anticipated final steps. The driver of the truck gave us a wave as he departed, and I revelled in the sense of awe and fascination demonstrated by my children. I was grateful that they slowed me down to notice this extraordinary event during an otherwise ordinary dog walk. God is good.

Last night I finished Apollo’s Arrow: The Profound and Enduring Impact of Coronavirus on the Way We Live by physician and sociologist Nicholas Christakis. It is an in-depth reflection upon our lived experience of Covid-19. This review captures its essence well. There are many lessons to be learned from the past 9-10 months, and throughout the months ahead. Like Christakis, I hope that this experience teaches us to honor our community and adhere to data and science. I have the same hope that our political climate moving forward can be one rooted in facts, dialogue and a shared commitment to community.

I recommend a read of this heartfelt article by Molly Cahill, An open letter to the bishops, from a young Catholic who’s only known a church in scandal. She states, “My sincerest hope is that generations to follow will not have to experience the disappointment and distrust I have experienced.” In the Catholic Church, my heart goes out to young people, especially. My adolescent years were such a formative time for me as a person of faith, and are the primary impetus for my vocation as a Catholic school educator. I pray that the adults in our Church pro-actively accompany young people on their own journeys by knowing them by name and meeting them where they are. With young people, I firmly believe that our starting point needs to be their own experience. They have much to teach us.

Let us pray for our physicians, nurses and all healthcare providers and essential workers across our country. May God bless you and yours throughout this week ahead.