13 Sunday in Ordinary Time
MT 10:37-42
June 28, 2020

A recent survey conducted by a research group working out of the University of Chicago “revealed” the majority of Americans are dealing with feelings of isolation and anxiety. We are pessimistic about the near future. And, in general, we are more unhappy than we have been in over 50 years.

REALLY?!?! We needed a government-funded survey to tell us this?

About the same time, Dr. William Schaffner, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University, was interviewed and asked to comment on the recent report showing that while there are very few new cases of Covid-19 in previous epicenters like Italy, the infection continues to flourish in the U.S., especially in the southern and southwestern states. Clearly, this spike…or second wave, adds to the growing unhappiness among Americans.

The opinion he shared seemed more sociological than medical. Dr. Schaffner cited “cultural differences.” Simply put, he explained that it is difficult to get control over an epidemic in a country known for its rugged individualism. Apparently, we Americans value our freedom to the point that we resist anyone telling us what to do. As a consequence, many regard the strongly recommended practices of social distancing, masks, and so forth as intrusions on their right to live as they choose.

Arguably, “rugged individualism” has made us who we are…a great nation of freedom-loving people! But, at the same time, could “rugged individualism” be our undoing?

So then, how do we recapture our happiness and sense of security? How do we overcome feelings of isolation without sacrificing our individuality? How do we live through this crisis and come out on the other side better for the experience?

Our Readings this week might hold the answers to those and other questions that are occupying our thoughts during these times of uncertainty and stress. The passage from the Old Testament underscores the importance of hospitality…relating to others with kindness and warmth.

In the Gospel, Jesus elaborates on the importance of reaching out to others with a generous heart. Both Readings offer the promise of a great reward to those who are considerate of the needs of others. Moreover, it does not seem that we sacrifice our individuality by being good hosts. Rather, we identify and even distinguish ourselves in this way as individuals, free from the bonds of pride, arrogance, greed, materialism, and the like.

In our Second Reading, St. Paul gives us a glimpse of the reward that God promises to those who forego “rugged individuality” in order to be joined with Christ to a new life in The Spirit. That is exactly the reward promised to those who give a priority to the needs of others…NEW LIFE!

This past week, Pope Francis hosted a gathering at the Vatican for frontline soldiers in this war against the virus. He shared some thoughts about “rugged individualism” as contrasted with “hospitality.”

Speaking to this group of doctors, nurses, EMS personnel, and priests, all from the hardest hit areas of northern Italy, the Holy Father said:

What he seems to be saying is that it is not realistic to think that personal freedom means that we can do whatever we want.

Looking to the future, Pope Francis said:

It is easy to quickly forget that we need others, someone who takes care of us, who gives us courage, forgetting that we all need a Father who holds out his hand.

The entire Papal address might well be reduced to the Holy Father’s suggestion as to how humanity can conquer the virus and then move forward to regain happiness in a post-pandemic world:

Not alone, but together, with the grace of God!

So then, how do we recapture our happiness and sense of security? How do we overcome feelings of isolation without sacrificing our individuality? How do we live through this crisis and come out the other side better for the experience?

Peace!