The world we live in is severed and crumbled by sundry quarrels and divisions
To all our sorrowful divisions and schisms, we can now add this most recent division to those vaccinated and those unvaccinated, to the supporters and the opposers of the official interpretation of the calamity that befell us.
At first, I tried following the statements and publications of the “leading experts” who firmly took one or the other side. I even believed that I had learned something, and I even considered myself “informed”. As things started to unfold, and the gap between the two groups became larger, dazed and confused, I realized in the end that I knew nothing. Too many controversies accumulated along with the contradictory answers to various questions brought by this disastrous corona virus. Disasters are supposed to bring people together, and that was always the case. This disaster, however, sets us apart, unfortunately, to the infinite distances. And whatever way this calamity ends – if it ends – the distances formed are here to stay. If this misdeed is an act of the evil devil, “the prince of this world” (John 12:31), he can be very happy: with “social distancing” he absolutely reached his goal – people have truly socially distanced themselves from one another. Physical distancing that we were forced to implement was very painful. Parents were dying lonely; their children not able to hold their hand to ease the departure from this world. The image of grandparents peaking at their grandchildren through windows will remain imprinted in my mind forever
These challenges finally came to an end somehow. The smart ones learned to be even smarter and to always remember the experiences they had been through, and that we are all connected with the indestructible links of love. And the others, whose links became thin to the breaking point, were prompted by the corona virus to break those weak links.
I have read recently about divisions and ripping apart of Canadian families. I could see that what was happening in Canada was also happening worldwide, but also in my close Serbian community. I have heard of some of our people getting divorced, because of the corona virus, and turning friendships into hatred for the same reason.
So, the Canadian Broadcasting Agency CBC news reported that certain Jasmine Lee Boutin and her mother were vaccinated while her two sisters did not receive the vaccine and did not want to receive it. Numerous arguments and fights led to rare get-togethers and will remain rare until they stop talking to one another. “No more barbecues, Christmases, or birthdays”, said Jasmine. She and her mother are all alone
Certain Danielle Barnsley stopped talking to her parents because of their refusal to get vaccinated. Looking toward the future, this “virtuous” daughter says she is unsure whether she will speak to her parents ever again.
Before the corona virus, a young man complained, everything was spontaneous in his family; they didn’t have to weigh in what they say. Now, separated by the corona virus, they don’t feel as close as they used to be.
I don’t believe corona virus is the only one to blame. Lawlessness has multiplied, and the love of many has grown cold. (Matthew 24:12) And where the love grew cold, all that was needed was the straw that broke the camel’s back
In addition to all that, some “shepherds” appeared in our community, fenced off in the anonymity of various social media, fighters for “faith”, for “truth”, and other “noble” causes. From there they judge and ponder, and they put the unquenchable fire over people’s heads. They might believe they are “performing the act of God”, but their acts give bitter fruits of quarrels and divisions. “You will recognize them by their fruits”, (Matthew 7:16) our Lord says.
Everywhere, even in our churches, we can see a distinct type of people, their knees twitching and them puffing under the load of their “piety”. They developed their own fashion, so they dress uniformly. They converse with the saints, and from their heigh position in “spirituality” they have no mercy for us sinners. I haven’t heard any polite words from them said to or for any of the zealous church leaders.
Deception is a serious spiritual illness, when the demon persuades a sinful man that he/she has reached perfection, and that he/she is without an equal. That so called “holiness” gives him/her the right to preach to everyone. “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch.” (Colossians 2:21)
I am not getting into origins and reasons for this calamity that had happened to us, I am not even discussing whether one should or should not follow the instructions of the competent experts. That is not the topic of this text. I just want to say that no one has the right to spy on anyone’s freedom. (Galatians 2:4
Everyone should decide and answer for themselves. God gifted us our conscience, our inner voice, and everyone should take their steps following that inner voice of God. The cruelty of those “righteous people” will not help those whose inner voice of God has been silenced by sins, but it will rather strengthen their impiety. To those troopers that fight for “faith and truth” that use freedom as a cover-up for evil” (1 Peter 2:16), I would say to leave people alone; everyone has had enough already, and even too much of their own suffering. Who are they to take from God the power to judge people. “O man, everyone of you who judges, for in passing judgement on another you condemn yourself.” (Romans 2:1)” We know that the judgement of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.” (Romans 2:2
“But if anyone is inclined to be contentious”, writes St. Apostle Paul to the Christians of Corinth, “we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.” (1 Corinthians 11:19) He heard there were divisions, and to some extent he believed it, and he condemned such divisions as they did not do any good.
Above all, the apostle wants people to weigh their actions by love. “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) And if there are any differences in opinions, they should be resolved “with peace and humbleness, with patient endurance, tolerating one another, cherishing the unity of the Spirit in peace.” (2 Corinthians 1:2-3)
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions,” (Romans 14:1), holy apostle teaches us. “One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains, pass judgement on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.” (Romans 14:2-3) This guideline of the apostle translated to our unfortunate present could state something like this: One believes that he can get the vaccine, and the other does not. Let not the one who received the vaccine despise the one who didn’t. And let not the one who did not receive the vaccine pass judgement on the one who received it.
“Therefore let no one pass judgement on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. (Colossians 2:16) and with regard to being vaccinated or not vaccinated, I the sinner, would dare to add.