Newsletter 4: 17 March 2020

Love and Fear Over the past two months Australians have watched the rapid spread of the coronavirus from Wuhan Province in China to 140 countries around the globe. As the number of infections and fatalities rise, and governments respond with restrictions to lessen the impact on their countries, the behaviour of people has been surprising and for many disappointing. Last week, images of two women physically fighting over rolls of toilet paper in a south western Sydney supermarket "went viral" around the world on social media. These sad and disturbing images are in stark contrast to the selflessness of Australia's volunteer fire fighters who worked so courageously for months on end during the summer. One can only guess what motivates good, rational people to behave in such a way. The great Australian aphorist, Michael Leunig, possibly captures the essence of the phenomena in the following poem:

Love and Fear

There are only two feelings. Love and fear.

There are only two languages. Love and fear.

There are only two activities. Love and fear.

There are only two motives, two procedures, two frameworks, two results.

Love and fear. Love and fear.

As Marists, followers of Jesus, with a sacred responsibility to teach the young, may our response in these unprecedented times of uncertainty always be characterised by love. In the most recent edition of Christlife, Brother Michael Green fms has written the first of a series of reflections on Marist spirituality. The first explores Saint Marcellin's enduring example and teaching of purposeful consciousness of God's presence. Michael's inspirational insights are timely during this Lenten Season and the current pandemic.