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“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
(Acts 2,44-45)

In these COVID-19 pandemic times, I am living the life “un jour à la fois”, taking care to do the best I can, within the limited possibilities. I am trying to program myself to keep alive my scientific side – already retired, yes, but not yet totally useless – instead of the melancholic-poetic side. That is, I am trying to be more realistic.

For those who are not at the front of the battle, nor in the essential services, it remains to be subject to confinement and social distancing, with no exact end prediction. These limitations inevitably cause a feeling of powerless and anguish. Many people even despair. It gives the impression that we are doing nothing. But this containment represents a lot, it is the best we can do, for now, until the vaccines under study can be used.

For the elderly who have internet and guaranteed income, circumstances seem more favorable. They can communicate easily and they are not short of food - at least, in these early pandemic times. But, in reality, the situation is not the best, as they are in the risk group, due to the fact they are especially more vulnerable to this virus. They cannot waver; they must strictly follow the guidelines of confinement and social distancing.

We have to cooperate not only in our own cause, but also in order not to overburden hospitals and health professionals, as it has happened in many places, where there was not even more place for so many people in need of care, with deaths that probably could have been avoided.

We cannot forget the unemployed, the small and medium entrepreneurs who can go bankrupt with everything stopped... The situation is also dire in this respect. How to live without money to buy food? Even if there are volunteers providing food, it will not be enough when the number of needy increases.

My suggestion comes from the first reading of this Sunday's Mass, from the Acts, in the excerpt of the epigraph: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2,44-45). At first glance, it is a proposal that will never be accepted... Why not? If all the very rich in the world willingly decided to share at least part of what they have with those in need, as the first Christians did, at least while confinement needs to last, how wonderful it would be!

It must be a decision of each one, no governments establishing criteria, so that it does not turn into authoritarianism and tyranny. I know that many well-off individuals have already made donations, but it would be necessary for them to ensure that all human beings are assisted in their needs. What about if these very rich people propose a joint effort?

               I want to believe that, even after the risk of contagion has ended, the world would be different; everything and everyone would be transformed. The exercise of detachment from riches is therapeutic; it is also very good for those who detach themselves from their wealth.