The rapid spread globally of a seemingly small but deadly and infectious novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that virtually caught off guard the human race, can be likened to the story of the great deluge during Noah’s time when God punished man for his sinfulness.
This was pointed out by Rev. Fr. Omer Prieto of the Parish of Fatima in the Diocese of Cubao, Quezon City during an exclusive interview with this writer Wednesday regarding the COVID breakout in close to 200 countries around the world, including the richest nations – the United States, Britain, and Italy, to mention a few.
However, Fr. Prieto said that unlike the great flood as related in the Old Testament, “the coronavirus in perspective is about health and faith… (and) of the human ego to purify us.”
Initially, he said, it was a simple infection that went haywire that even pharmaceutical companies did not read the “sign” just “like the time of Noah when the people were caught unaware of the coming flood.”
Fr. Prieto stressed it is about time that the people around the world discern and heed the call of God for repentance.
“What is God telling us in this situation of ours is an indication to listen to God what the Lord is telling us,” he said.
At the same time, Fr. Prieto read 2 Chronicle, Chapter 7:14 in the Holy Bible which says: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, these I will hear from Heaven and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Fr. Prieto also said the coronavirus has something to do with the warning of the Blessed Virgin Mary during her apparition at Fatima before three shepherds – Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in Portugal in 1917 — for man to repent or face chastisement from God while there is still time.
The message is penance, penance, penance for the world to attain peace.
Since its outbreak, the COVID-19 has wreaked havoc around the world, infecting millions and killing thousands as medical laboratories are in a conundrum looking for a vaccine to contain the deadly disease from spreading.
Churches have been closed for over two weeks now as Holy Masses and worship services have been held online.
Confessions have been temporarily suspended and Catholics have been advised to pray a perfect act of contribution to ask God’s mercy and forgiveness.