Coronavirus and liminal space
As many lives across the globe feel the direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic, it is time to reflect on this time of transition from the old world to the new. The spiritual term for this is ‘liminal space’, which is a space where conversion can take place. Can we use this time to slow down and reflect, to awaken within ourselves a deep desire for connection with each other, with nature, and with God? Can we also use this time to work towards a new world, one that reflects the vision of Laudato Si’?
This animation is based on interviews by Pope Francis as well as reflecting his vision found in the encyclical Laudato Si’. Find out more about the teachings on Laudato Si’.
TRANSCRIPT
Our world has been radically transformed. Within the space of a few weeks we have witnessed the almost shutting down of the global economy, strict lockdowns being implemented, and communities adjusting to social distancing, as we try to tackle the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
With these changes never have we been so isolated and cut off from each other, and yet at the same time, we have never been so connected. This is indeed a strange time. The world as we once knew it has now been left behind – but we have not quite arrived yet at the new world which lies at the other side of this pandemic.
For we are now in liminal space. This is the space between the old and the new. A space that can often be marked with great suffering, but is also a space for a profound interior conversion to take place. This is the time to rediscover and reconnect to those things which bring real meaning to our lives, including our family, our faith and our friends.
And by slowing down we can reconnect to the great wonder of God’s creation, that surrounds us and sustains our every breath.
While this global lockdown is not to be romanticised in any way, as it will have devastating impacts on many families and communities around the world, especially the poorest and vulnerable, it nonetheless offers us a teaching moment.
After living so much of our lives in the fast lane in our over-stimulated and hyper-consumeristic culture, can we rediscover the joy of slowing down and learning how to be still again? Will we re-awaken to the vast richness of our contemplative heritage that teaches us how to pray simply, where we stop the chatter, and listen, listen with the heart, to discover God in both the silence as well as in nature?
Because by being open to this teaching moment we can start to transition, from the old to the new. And when we transition, we know from deep within that going back to the old is no longer an option.
The old where we were so caught up in satisfying our immediate needs that we forgot, ignored or became indifferent to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable in our world, as well as caring for God’s creation.
The old where we treated the natural world merely as an object or a resource, there for us to exploit as we see fit.
As we are now being forced to slow down and reconnect with all that is around us, we can now take the time and space to imagine a new world.
A new world where we take seriously Jesus’ call to live more simply, no longer obsessing over storing our treasures, but rather seeking joy and happiness in the things that are meaningful in our lives.
A new world where we slow down, so that we can reawaken within ourselves our deep desire for connection, with each other, with God as well as with creation.
Now that we are in liminal space we can begin to imagine this new world. We no longer have to run back to the old, but find within ourselves the strength, courage and faith to bring forth the new.
This is our opportunity for conversion, we have the chance to begin again. So, let us not run too quickly from this time of transitioning, but let us be open to the Holy Spirit working with us and through us in transforming our world. Together we can imagine a new future, one where we work together to protect the earth, our common home.
Laudato Si’, On care for our common home.
Pope Francis
“How difficult it is to stay at home for those who live in tiny, ramshackle dwellings, or for the homeless! How difficult it is for migrants, those who are deprived of freedom, and those in rehabilitation from an addiction».16 And «I think of all the people, especially women, who multiply loaves of bread in soup kitchens: two onions and a package of rice make up a delicious stew for hundreds of children. I think of the sick, I think of the elderly [and of] small farmers and their families who work hard to produce healthy food without destroying nature, without hoarding, without exploiting people’s needs” – To an Invisible Army, op. cit.
“Now, facing the pandemic, we have widely and vividly experienced our inter-connectedness in vulnerability. Much of humanity has responded to that vulnerability with resolve and solidarity. We have proven that we can do it, we can change, and it is now for us to translate those traits into a permanent conversion of resolve and solidarity to cope with the larger and longer-term threats. The time has also come to reflect on economic activities and work. Just going back to what was being done before the pandemic may seem the obvious, practical choice, but why not switch to something better? Why reinvest in fossil fuels, monoculture farming and rainforest destruction when we know they worsen our environmental crisis? Why resume the arms industry with its terrible waste of resources and useless destruction?” – Life after the pandemic
In these weeks, the lives of millions of people have suddenly changed. For many, remaining at home has been an opportunity to reflect, to withdraw from the frenetic pace of life, stay with loved ones and enjoy their company. For many, though, this is also a time of worry about an uncertain future, about jobs that are at risk and about other consequences of the current crisis. I encourage political leaders to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities. This is not a time for indifference, because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic. May the risen Jesus grant hope to all the poor, to those living on the peripheries, to refugees and the homeless. May these, the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters living in the cities and peripheries of every part of the world, not be abandoned. Let us ensure that they do not lack basic necessities (all the more difficult to find now that many businesses are closed) such as medicine and especially the possibility of adequate health care. In light of the present circumstances, may international sanctions be relaxed, since these make it difficult for countries on which they have been imposed to provide adequate support to their citizens, and may all nations be put in a position to meet the greatest needs of the moment through the reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations.
This is not a time for forgetfulness. The crisis we are facing should not make us forget the many other crises that bring suffering to so many people.
Think deeper.
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