A Retreat and Christmas in Quarantine

“So do not fear, for I am with you…” (Isaiah 41:10.)   This bible passage was considered to be the most popularly read in 2020 when COVID 19 emerged and caused people to fear.

Drawing solace from the verse, I resonate with the rest of humanity in my experience last December 15-30, 2020.  Surprisingly, I spent my retreat and Christmas day within a 14-day quarantine.  It all started one fine morning on December 15, 2020, when I was preparing to leave the office for my usual errands in the city.  A shocking annunciation came: one of my sisters was tested COVID positive. The virus has finally reached the convent.  At this point in time, I seriously sensed my vulnerability and mortality…

Soon enough, coordination with the government was made.  Immediately, on December 16, 2020, sixteen lay collaborators and thirteen sisters including myself were isolated.  This event disrupted all my plans: make up for the unfinished accounting works, attend all the nine-day novena masses (these are the dawn masses called misa de gallo celebrated in the Philippines from December 16-24 in preparation for Christmas day), and do transactions in the different offices.  All of these were canceled.  As scriptures say, “My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my ways…” (Isaiah 55:8)

Later, on December 18, 2020, we underwent swab tests.  As Treasurer, I was apprehensive because of the huge amount needed.  But the government decided to give the test for free.   Truly, God can never be outdone in His generosity.  Now came the waiting for the results.  It was not without fear and apprehension.  Questions like: “What if the results were positive?  Of the 27, how many would be tested positive?  Who would be tested positive?” Things were just so uncertain.  It was only until I surrendered to Go that I was at peace.  Finally, on December 20, 2020, the results came.  Another two sisters and one lay personnel were tested positive. They were separated from the group while the rest stayed.

At long last, Christmas came, and also my virtual retreat started.  In the daily mass readings and retreat input, I was led to ask, “What could be the possible fears the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph may have experienced in the midst of political turmoil during their time?  Just like any other present-day family, they faced issues on health, safety, economic stability, migration, and freedom from oppression.  How did they deal with these concerns?  They prayed and obeyed God’s will in the daily events of their

life as a family.  Thus, regardless of life’s circumstances, the holy family was unshaken in their faith in God whom they believe can cast away any form of fear.    

Finally, on December 30, 2020, I and my companions finished the 14-day quarantine.  It’s a day of freedom not just from the corona vibut also from the virus of fear, anxiety, and self-sufficiency to the vaccine of God’s perfect love which casts away fear. (1 John 4:18)

 

 

S. Janet Pilapil, pm