The Tri-demic and Practical Love

Then children were being brought to [Jesus] in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

Matthew 19: 13-15

 André Picard is a Canadian journalist and author specializing in health care issues. He isa reporter and a columnist for the national newspaper The Globe and Mail and he's written several books. During the pandemic he has offered thoughtful perspectives on both the science and the ethics of responding to this significant challenge to health care systems, including the crisis in care for the elderly. I appreciate his perspective amidst the cacophony of voices including those of politicians who are inclined to hedge on doing what is right in favour of doing what is expedient. 

Recently he wrote a Globe piece with the title Kids are suffering from COVID in ways we never expected and it begins with a brief New Testament exposition: 

In the biblical verse Matthew 19:14, Jesus tells his disciples to not take children for granted; that, in their vulnerability, they have much to teach us as adults: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me.” 

This is sage advice, especially at a time when our pediatric system health system is living in a crisis of near biblical proportions.

Okay, he's mashing up his scriptural metaphors here, but it was interesting that he would refer to the teaching of Jesus as he addresses the threat of what is being called the "Tri-demic." Not only is there the prospect of a surge in COVID cases in Canada, influenza is making a comeback, and the respiratory illness known as RSV is affecting children in droves. 

While RSV has been around for decades there is no effective vaccine (they are being developed) and pediatric ICU units are filled to overflowing across the country. To add to the crisis, there is a severe shortage of children's medications which can address the symptoms at home. Last week I delivered some to the household of our younger grandchildren 90 minutes away because none was available near at hand. 

Picard is pointing out that we have a moral and ethical responsibility to do whatever is necessary to protect the most vulnerable in society, including the elderly and children. He has already shone a harsh light on our failure to do so with our elders, and it remains to be seen whether we will respond to the needs of kids. So far not one province is considering renewing a mask mandate and the dangerous premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, has stated that there won't be one there. Even though tens of thousands of children have been home sick in Alberta she argues that parents want a normal school experience for their kids. Is it normal to have children fighting for breath on ventilators in a hospital? Here in Ontario the Chief Medical Officer of Health gave rather tepid encouragement to mask up again yesterday but it's hard to imagine this will make much of a difference. 

On Sunday morning I was at the gym early and while it wasn't all that busy I was the only person wearing a mask. At church there were many more people wearing masks than the week before. Most of them are elderly, among the most susceptible in society, so there was self-interest. They are, though, a caring bunch who have hearts and minds for the greater good, so I wasn't surprised. 

I'm grateful that Andre Picard led his article with a reference to our Judeo/Christian tradition of compassion and practical love. This is not exclusive to these two religions but we need the reminder that self-interest should never be the default mode of our society. 

1 God sees the little sparrow fall,
it meets his tender view;
if God so loves the little birds,
I know he loves me too.