Photo of prayer from Bishop Joe Brennan, shared by Asuncion Ferrer.

Clearly, the biggest lesson that the pandemic has taught us is that we are all connected. What we do (or fail to do) has an effect on the entire community. The concept of shared space, shared resources and shared consequence has finally become painfully clear to everyone. From now on, any plan we must make must take everyone’s needs into account. One man’s sore throat could be another man’s death sentence.

Ramon R. Jimenez’s text to HAU President, Luis Calingo on April 20, 2020

Mr. Jimenez passed away on April 27, 2020. He was Tourism Cabinet Secretary who developed the tourism concept of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” illustrating ecotourism is a viable source of livelihood, while protecting the environment, 2011 to 2016 under Pres. Noynoy Aquino.

3, 157, 459 new cases with 219, 610 deaths, worldwide, according to John Hopkins University dashboard. 

US has 1, 023, 304 with 58, 965 deaths in 90 days, while 58, 220 deaths during Vietnam War from 1964 to 1975. 

Pope Francis equated truth as to concreteness, no gray areas. It is about aligning ourselves with Jesus, if we are in darkness, we can’t be in union with the Lord, who is light. 

Gray area is a traitor – it is either one or the other. Lies are ambiguous, like the air that we breathe, which cannot be defined, he said.

He related a letter he received from a young child who reprimanded him about saying “Peace be with you,” when we can’t touch one another during this pandemic. There’s a simplicity and humility in telling the truth. It is not “wrapped up or packaged,” he said. 

The devil wants us to stay in the gray area, Lord does not want us, liars. Lord can’t forgive us, if we are not concrete and truthful about our sins. May we have the grace to know well, who we are, before God,” he continued.