By Leslie Ann Aquino
A Catholic prelate said people should embrace the "new normal" and not anymore go back to their old ways even after the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine has already been lifted.
Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said while the new normal brought about by the ECQ was challenging for many, it taught people how to be free from worldly distractions and variables that have long pervaded our materialistic society.
"With the new normal, people have tread on the path of rediscovering one's self, gaining a new sense of purpose," he said in his reflection.
The people, Santos said, started spending more quality time with the family.
"Dining together in one table has become the norm. Parents-children interaction improved," he said.
Bishop Santos said those who reduced God to the background started to foster a deeper relationship with Him, making God the "top priority" once again.
"The COVID-19 outbreak led tens of thousands to hear and witness about Jesus online," he said.
"As the whole world spirals into a pandemic chaos, the new normal points us to the fact that we are not in control," added Santos.
"Let us, therefore, embrace our new normal and not go back to the old one: let's prioritize God, spend quality time with our family, and love others in the best of times or in crisis. This will be very pleasing to God." he said.
The government imposed the ECQ last month to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The extended ECQ is set to end on April 30.