As coronavirus spreads, so can a sense of helplessness. Each day brings worse statistics, increased restrictions and greater stress. Even among people most able to make a difference, such as health care workers, it is easy to lose perspective. Words like "unprecedented" seem overused, while the phrase "when this is all over" seems fuzzier with each passing day. Most people are eager to return to normal life, while many struggle to cling to life itself.
Humans like to have control. We can control the TV remote or our virtual assistant, but coronavirus is another thing entirely. We count on God – in normal times and in crises – to control things. When God's help seems slow in coming, we might lose faith. We can't lose sight of the gifts God gives us – and others – to deal with challenges in our imperfect world.
Note: Activities in GSR in the Classroom instructor guides usually are designed to be used in classroom or parish settings by larger gathered groups. Because coronavirus precautions prohibit these gatherings, this activity is designed for at-home use and for online video gatherings.
Give each participant time to secure materials to draw with, whether that’s a pencil and paper or a digital drawing tool.
Begin by saying: "Take a few minutes to draw a perfect world. Imagine for a moment what that looks like, then do your best to draw that image."
Give students three to five minutes, including one-minute warning as time winds down. Be sure to create an image yourself!
- If working at home, participants (including leader) should share images.
- If working in an online video format, invite students to share images. Spotlight (enlarge) the view of person sharing their drawings via webcam or phone, or allow participants to screenshare images created on their screens.
As each image is shared, ask other participants to affirm and critique them. Encourage them to make suggestions or ask questions of the artist.
After all images have been shared [or as many as time allows] ask:
- Was your image of a perfect world "perfect" in the eyes of others?
- How does it feel to have other people make suggestions about your idea of what's perfect?
- Why might you consider adjusting your image based on what others suggest?
Conclude by saying: "We don't live in a perfect world. God’s creation, like the images we created ourselves, could be called a 'work in progress.' Especially in these days, we're aware of great challenges and needs in the world. God gives each of us gifts and insights that we can contribute to improve the world around us. Today we'll meet a sister deeply involved in fighting coronavirus and explore not only the gifts she shares but the ways in which she depends on God and others."
Give each participant time to secure a Bible or, if they have internet access, share the links [below].
Begin by saying: "Everybody is anxious or confused as the world responds to coronavirus pandemic. Take a few quiet moments to slow down and consider what’s troubling you." [Be sure to take this time before asking the following question, to allow introverts time to process it.]
Then ask: "What worries or concerns do you have about coronavirus?" [Give each student a chance to express themselves. Allow students to say "pass" if they’re not ready or not at ease with sharing.]
After students have shared, say: "This crisis has caught many people off-guard. You’ll hear some leaders claim they don’t have a 'playbook’ for this situation. This is uncertain territory for all of us, but we have a book to guide us. God speaks to us through the Bible. Let's explore some timeless words shared by God's messengers. As you read, consider what God might be telling us today through these words."
[Depending on your timeframe, assign a specific passage to each student or allow them to respond to a favorite from among these three options.]
- A prophet gives hope to Jews forced to leave their homeland and live in exile, saying "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you." [Read Jeremiah 29:11-13]
- "What will separate us from the love of Christ?" St. Paul explains to troubled Christians that nothing – not even anguish or persecution – can stop God’s love. [Read Romans 8:35-39]
- Christians struggling with darkness and evil are encouraged to draw their strength from the Lord and "put on the armor of God." [Read Ephesians 6:10-17]
Give student[s] several minutes to find, read and reflect on the passage[s], then ask: "What might God be telling us about our response to coronavirus through these words?" Listen to and affirm their responses. Be prepared to connect your own perspectives to their insights.
Conclude by saying: "Coronavirus is neither the first nor the last crisis to test people's faith. When our lives are disrupted and we are distressed, we can find comfort, confidence and hope in God's word."
Lord, it's true
that you work in mysterious ways.
You created a world so wondrous,
though not perfect.
When things seem bad,
or maybe seem like they can't get worse,
give us strength to be our best.
Help us to trust your plans,
to draw strength from you
and to know that nothing
can separate us from your love.
Amen.
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