Lent Reflection #24: Quote on duty and fear and faith

I got this through David French on The Dispatch media, and it is written by Curtis Chang

For myself, I'm realizing how much I still don't fully internalize the fundamental Christian message that we are supposed to preparing for in this season of Lent: that Christ has conquered death and we who follow him participate in the hope of resurrection. I'm trying to take every flare of anxiety within me as another part of my heart that hasn't quite been converted to that truth. I want to live this life truly anchored in that truth—to love, serve, lead, speak, communicate, care with that confidence. May God have mercy on me as I seek this.

The medievals—who lived through multiple plagues—had this artistic tradition for centuries. In almost every portrait, the artist would sneak in some small symbol of death (usually a skull tucked into the corner). It was called "Memento Mori"—"Think on death."  These portraits were usually commissioned by wealthy merchants (the only ones who could afford a portrait) and the paintings usually celebrated their wealth and prosperity. Yet, the artistic tradition of "Memento Mori" was saying, "Don't be an idiot—this is the fate that faces all of us. Think on this. Think hard."

Covid-19 is like that—a small "Memento Mori" inserted into the corner of great prosperity and comfort. It is the skull that is warning us, "Think on this. Think hard."