THERE are two new viruses getting into our systems lately. While the Covid-19 is still around the corner and is continuously mutating and counter-attacking all the defenses that we are using against it, the new viruses are deadlier than the Covid-19. They do not attack our health but they are too debilitating and they can make us stupid. These viruses will make us forget the lessons of the past.
The first virus is an old one with a new system. It has infected a lot of Filipinos today. This is known as the Polvi-22 (political virus 2022). This virus has been evolving since the birth of dirty Philippine politics. The prototype virus was the Aguinaldo virus. Polvi-22, like the previous variants, will make us lower our defenses over the existing viruses. Once you now go to "kapehans," you hear conversations and speculations on who will run in the 2022 Philippine elections. It seems that most people are infected by this virus that even the issue of the rise of Covid-19 cases is linked with politics.
The symptoms of Polvi-22 includes the infected person becomes a know-it-all about people entering the political arena. One imagines and even hallucinates who is his "chosen one." One becomes well-versed of political issues and are very keen, defensive, and sensitive on topics regarding his "chosen one." One becomes "too knowledgeable" of the life and issues regarding the other aspirants. At this point, Polvi -22 is not yet very active that it dwells only on speculations and guesses.
Polvi-22, however, is easier to be cured. There is no vaccine that could cause alarm and scandal. There are overpriced medicines and ventilators. One does not need to enter the capitalists market to buy medical paraphernalia such as face masks and PPE's. The cure for this virus is time. After the election fever is over, the virus then dies inside the system and shall once again be resurrected in the next election season.
Another virus is Hedonism or "pleasure and leisure" virus. I was shocked to read the headlines that hotels in the province are fully booked for the "holy days." The Holy Week is a time for us to pray and reflect on the salvific power of God. It is a time for us to be reminded of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Before the pandemic, Holy Week was a break from all the work and a time for excursions and enjoyment.
This virus makes us forget the real essence of the Holy Week. Last year's Holy Week celebrations were most meaningful. It was a time where families gathered together to pray at home. People were paying for one another and were meditating on the passion of Christ and praying for deliverance from Covid-19. We really felt the suffering of Christ.
However, it was cut short, when many people got angry upon not receiving their social amelioration allowance (SAP) The resurrection was soon forgotten and overpowered by greed, thus the virus entered the minds and hearts of many. From then on we became enslaved once again by money and materialism. The moment we heard of any distribution of goods from the government, we ran forgetting all the protocols just to get something for free. For those who did not receive any, we blame one another. The virus kept growing in us. Although, this virus was not widespread because it only hit those who were needy. There were a lot who even gave their whole share of rations to others.
So let us all continue to build stronger walls so as not to be infected by these viruses that could really pull us down to the pit of greed and selfishness. Let our link with God to be stronger forever.
St. Joseph, pray for us.