PROTECT THE VULNERABLE

Scripture and the social teachings of the church remind us again and again that we as individuals and a society must protect and give priority to those who are most vulnerable and at risk.  We see this from the laws in the Old Testament that looked out for the poor and the widows, to Jesus’ embrace of people on the margins of society, to the early church’s adamant support of those who had less. The Bible urges us to put those who are most at risk first.

In the midst of the coronavirus, the vulnerable take many forms.  Most obvious are those who are elderly or have other health conditions that make them most susceptible to illness. Those who are younger may not be concerned about our own health risks, but if we help pass on the virus, it can be a life or death situation for others.

Others are financially vulnerable and do not have the flexibility to take sick leave that many of us take for granted.  That puts them in a difficult situation when they become ill and may have to choose between putting their job at risk and staying home to protect others. Likewise, many parents do not have the flexibility to stay home when school is canceled for their children.

The situation is impacting many others, such as small business owners who may already be on shaky financial ground.

Let us continue to pray with and for one another as we all must face these difficult and challenging times.