It's not the End of the World

The Corona Virus has hit our world but maybe more importantly, for me, it has my Bangkok, or that is how it seems.  The world seems to be ruled by this virus, or should I say by the fear of it.  Therein lies the crunch for me.  Our world is reacting to fear of the unknown as it is no longer NIMBY - not in my back yard - and so cannot just be ignored. 

For this time of the virus, communion is only offered in the hand. 

It is this fear that hit my world at the cathedral.  One must be smart and be sensitive to others but much more is at play.  When approaching protocols for mass in this new and unknown era,  An instruction comes my way from one of the priests for me to wear a mask when giving communion. I note two things on this instruction -none of the other priests are wearing a mask and I am the only foreign priest on duty.  So what is my conclusion?  This is pure discrimination on part of this priest who does not wear a mask himself, while expecting me to wear one.  .

When discussing this with the responsible Thai woman, a very gentle woman, who was chosen by this same priest to give me the message, she gave me the bottom line about what was at play - 'this is Thais'.  She said this on the basis of being smart herself and having been placed in this awkward position of relaying a strongly worded and ill-conceived message foisted upon her from above.  Yet again, Thainess rules the agenda.

Then in another context of my Sunday, I am heard by a Thai talking over the phone with a Burmese friend about getting money to him to help him in his studies.  I am simply arranging this help, not giving it to him myself.  On hearing the conversation, the Thai friend is most indignant, saying that is a lot of money and why does he need it after all these Burmese come to work in Thailand where they earn a lot of money.  I gave a simple response, sharing the harsh realities faced by Burmese and the need Thailand has for their labour.  This proved most unacceptable for it does not fit in with the Thai version.  Yet again, discrimination and Thainess rules the agenda.

In both cases, it seems illogical, making no sense.  Maybe that is what is at play - the lack of logic which leads to conclusions that make no sense and worse, create more trouble than is necessary.    .

The virus is not the end of the world.  Maybe it is the lack of logic, leading to irrational fears, prejudices and conclusions, that make it seem like it.       

Church Instructions for a Response to the Virus