Coronavirus: SOS! The cure for death
There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus which has caused a global panic. Reasonable preventive measures must be respected, although they alone cannot save us. There is also an order of spiritual principles that is often forgotten about. We should keep to it. An old proverb says: “Doctors treat, but God heals.”
The fight with coronavirus is a fight with death. But we must know that even if we avoid the coronavirus, none of us shall avoid death after all. Physical death, however, is not the greatest evil. The greatest evil for man is the second death – eternal damnation! (Rev 20:14) We can be saved from it only in Jesus Christ. He said: “He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” (cf. Jn 11:25)
At this time of panic, many Christians do not appreciate the necessity of the saving faith in Jesus Christ which saves us from the second death. What is at stake is the salvation of immortal souls, i.e. the salvation of our dearest ones from eternal torment. The spirit of the world drives people with all force onto the broad way leading to destruction (Mt 7:13).
What is the cure for eternal death? Perfect contrition!
How to make an act of perfect contrition? You need to admit your sins both to yourself and to God. Just as a deadly virus affects the body, so also sin affects the soul. Jesus took your sins upon Himself and paid for them on the cross. Believe in Him, and call on His name with faith. In Him is your salvation. Scripture says: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom 10:13) Imagine Christ’s cross, the wounds in His hands, His feet and His heart, and say with faith: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Repeat it five times, with your eyes fixed on the five wounds. Try to perceive in spirit that while you are saying this prayer of contrition, a beam of God’s forgiveness comes from each of the wounds and penetrates your heart. You can think of a verse from Scripture, e.g.: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. By His wounds we were healed.” (1Pet 2:24-25) At the end, make the sign of the cross three times with faith.
This is the cure for eternal death. Jesus Himself is the cure. At the moment when you will be dying, call on the name of Jesus and He will take you into eternal happiness.
How often should we take this priceless cure for death? Because we know neither the day nor the hour of our death, it is best to take it in the morning and in the evening and also during the day – at 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 (cf. Ps 119:116). (http://vkpatriarhat.org/en/?p=4952)
Paradoxically though it may seem, the coronavirus quarantine has created the conditions for the restoration of the family in that the whole family must stay at home. You ask what the means are of strengthening the family, of strengthening relationships between spouses and between parents and children? The answer is this: the holy hour – the family prayer specifically at 20:00-21:00. The incomparably great benefit for the family, which the holy hour gives, requires only a small sacrifice – abstain at this hour from the television, mobile phones and the internet, that means, communicate vertically with God rather than horizontally. (http://vkpatriarhat.org/en/?p=11475)
Many priests give a blessing at the end of the holy hour. In this time of the danger of the coronavirus, they also pray for the protection of your family, or even for your healing. Receive this blessing at 21:00 by making the sign of the cross with faith.
Offer this cure for death to your neighbours too. You will give them proof of the greatest love, for it will save their souls and their families.
The cure for death – prescription:
1) perfect contrition – seven times a day “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, have mercy on me” (prayer to the five wounds)
2) holy hour – 20:00-21:00
3) blessing – at 21:00
Jesus healed in the past and still heals today through faith. He heals of the coronavirus and other diseases. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him pray. And the prayer of faith will save the sick.” (Jas 5:14-15)
Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate
Download: Coronavirus: SOS! The cure for death (20/3/2020)
