In times of trouble, upset, and uncertainty, we need one another in ways we never may have imagined. The current health crisis is changing the way we see the World. While some think this is an opportunity to blame a particular people for the virus outbreak, others are wondering what they can do to help.

              One way to help is not to participate in the blame game. Viruses do not have national identities. Great people come to the rescue of those who are hurting. They do so with great humility. Perhaps we may think we can do nothing in this time of crisis. Our desire to help is the sign of our willingness to be there for others. A simple prayer, a phone call, a heartfelt letter can change another person’s life and give them encouragement, inviting peace of mind and heart. It is often in the simple things we do that we come to the rescue of another.

              Jesus praised the woman who anointed him because she “did what she could” (Mark 14: 8). We may not always be able to do what we wish we could do but we can always do what we can. So write a letter, make a phone call, pray a prayer, and open your heart to another person. We can stand together no matter how far apart we might be.

              It might do us well to remember a story Mr. Rogers told: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ “

              The Buddha spoke of friendship in terms of offering help to those in need. In this time of isolation and fear, we need to become friends of one another. The current circumstances invite us to do what we can even if we think we are not doing enough. It is always more than enough when we care about another person. Our own fears and sense of isolation invite us to feel in our hearts what others are feeling. In that moment, our hearts give birth to compassion and love. In a real sense, global friendship is born anew. We come to realize how much we need one another. As the Buddha taught, “If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us?”

         Thank you for being a helper and a friend. Thank you for doing what you can. Thank you for being you. Let us hold one another in prayer and peace.

 

The Interfaith Peace Project