The Gospel is not Dead

By Jodi Hunt, Affiliate Assistant Professor, Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization

Date published: March 30, 2020

A few days ago, I came across a reflection by First Things editor, R. R. Reno, “Say ‘No’ to Death’s Dominion,” that brought to light many of the same emotions and theological insights that I had been working to process since the start of the Covid19 crisis. Although I agree with the heart of Reno’s observation that “we must never do evil that good might come,” his theological reflection lost my support when he treaded out into waters of ‘the death of the Gospel.’ In Reno’s view, the bishops, priests, and other religious leaders who have “accepted” government decrees
to ‘shut-down’ have shown that “they too accept death’s dominion.” Evil has won. The Gospel is dead.

“The Gospel is dead. Death is winning.” These are the words I have returned to repeatedly as I have pondered, “is Reno right? Are our actions in response to Covid19 allowing evil to win?” My answer remains: “No.” In fact, amid all of life’s current uncertainties, there is one thing I am sure of, the Gospel is very much alive. And, as these last weeks have shown, perhaps more so than it has been for decades. If you jump onto social media, you will find Chrisatins from all denominations sharing the faith in beautiful, creative ways. Christians are keeping the Gospel alive in any way that they can, despite facing‘death’ and the uncertainties that still lie ahead.

Bishops, priests, and laity are more active than ever before in ensuring that the faithful–the Body of Christ–remains in full communion with one another despite our being unable to share (physically) in the Heavenly Host. Although we are, in the words of Pope Francis, “living in the world that when we were young we could hardly imagine,” the faithful have risen to the occasion of using creative means to ensure that the Gospel remains ever present in the lives of the faithful. This ministerial work has also created comforting shelters for those who are seeking refuge from
the pandemic storm. 

So no, death and evil are not dominating our spiritual lives. For if it were, we would not be seeing parking lot adorations, drive through reconciliations, or the administering of last rites to those inflicted with Covid19. The sacramental life of our Church is carrying on despite being thrown into this ‘pandemic storm,’ just as it always has and will forever do. It may not be what we want, nor think it should be, but it is where God wants us to be right now. And it is for this reason that I am certain that the Gospel is not dead. Nor will it ever be.

How will you keep the Gospel alive?