Although the number of pandemic cases have risen, hospitalizations from Covid seem to have leveled off. Public health experts suggest several reasons, possibly because the Omicron variant is less deadly, medications and treatments are more efficacious, or possibly because for many people, it seems to be more like the flu.
However, now in the second year of this pandemic, the results of Covid combined with some other stressors has led to an increase in homicides as well as just plain rude behavior. The data show that gun purchases spiked during the height of the pandemic, and where there are more guns, there is more murder.
In addition, as a society, our sense of social trust has broken down. The George Floyd death at the hands of officers sworn to protect has helped to create what some call a crisis of legitimacy. We need to rebuild trust in our institutions, including the police, which means policing needs to change. Dialog helps to build social trust. Rather than shouting at each other, we need to have real meaningful conversations.
Prayer for the Day
When the road seems endless, O God, empower us to be companions
And when the road forward is blocked, inspire us to move beyond barriers;
When the road before us divides, enable us to hear your voice for the way,
And when we feel alone, give us grace to accept the help we need.
Grant, O Lord, that we have the strength to acknowledge our weaknesses,
And to learn to trust in one another.
In the name of the One who is the source of trust,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Every kind of peaceful cooperation among men is primarily built on mutual trust.
- Albert Einstein, mathematician and physicist (1879-1955)
What loneliness is more lonely than distrust?
- George Eliot, British novelist (1819-1880)
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in deep mire where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.
I am weary with crying; my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim while waiting for my God.
Psalm 69: 1-3