Quarantine: lent and beyond
by Juan Sarmiento (revised on 3/17/2020)
Lent is an opportunity to ponder anew what it means to follow Jesus in a world that is facing the realities of vulnerability and frailty. In many ways, we are truly dust. The word "quarantine" comes from the Latin quadraginta, meaning "forty." It dates back to the thirteenth century when the Venetians started the practice of keeping ships quaranta giorni (forty days) as an attempt to prevent the spread of diseases coming from abroad.
The observance of Lent is associated with the number forty. The account of the flood registers that waters covered the earth for that number of days. The people of Israel traveled in the desert for forty years, and the Spirit led Jesus to the desert to forth days of prayer and fasting. Similarly, many Christians seek to respond to God's grace by engaging in a period of more focused discipline leading to the commemoration of Christ's death and resurrection.
My ongoing communication with pastors in China has helped me think of at least two ways in which we can face this significant health crisis while observing Lent. First, recognizing that one way God's presence is manifested is through the efforts of those seeking to tend to the sick and afflicted. It is estimated that during the Bubonic Plague, the death rate of priests was at least 20 percent higher than that of the general population. Last week, Pastor Chris, in Eastern China, mentioned to a group of concerned Presbyterians that the tireless and selfless work of the health professionals is unparalleled. Chinese Christians and The Outreach Foundation are genuinely grateful for the generosity of churches and individuals that have made gifts to provide protective materials to them.
Lent lends itself to reflective examination and prayer. We can include the Church, the general population in China, and those affected in more than fifty countries at this point in our intercessions. As a pastor mentioned to me, since Christians represent less than 3% of the population of China, knowing that they are not alone during these trying times is tremendously encouraging to them. Wuhan is experiencing the most extensive quarantine in history. While isolation is an important measure, these times call for a redoubled commitment to the unity that we have as followers of Jesus by demonstrating his compassion.
The God that gave deliverance during the flood and provided sustenance and healing to the people of Israel on their journey is also the One that came to us in Jesus. Because he could not be kept in the dusty tomb beyond the third day, we now have comfort, healing, and hope. His new life continues to spread despite innumerable efforts to quench it — even today.