In light of the ongoing Coronavirus crisis and the chaotic public discussion that has inevitably surrounded it (as it now does every election, political controversy, or social concern these days), here are six brief reflections on protecting and improving the public discourse, as well as encouraging growth in virtue amid adverse and uncertain times.

Acknowledge Ignorance: All of us (you and I included) are operating in ignorance. What percentage of the data — people, places, events, percentages, etc — regarding this issue do we have any sure, first-hand, empirical knowledge of? Very, very little. We must acknowledge this.

Temper Words Accordingly: Hence, while we can (and will, and should!) form opinions and share/discuss these opinions with others, our sharing and discussing (and our attitudes throughout) should be reflective of #1 and have as the goal seeking greater understanding through dialogue and the building up of the participants in the conversation, strengthening the relationship between them. None of us KNOW for sure the “facts”. We must attempt to think, speak, and act in ways that are proportionate and appropriate to what we actually KNOW, and charity/humility must always prevail.

Respect Discernment and Decision-Making: In this situation, as in all of life, we can’t stop the train and “wait for all the facts to come in”. First, because they never will in any ultimate or final sense, and second, because we have to continue to make decisions and live our lives as best we can in the meantime. Recognize that all of us are in that same position: we have to prudently and calmly survey the data and opinions around us and then make decisions about how to proceed. The decisions won’t be perfect and they will look different from family to family, person to person. The key is that those decisions are made as each person’s best attempt at a rational response to reality, and not as givings-in to fear or desire.

Remember What Success or Failure Really Look Like and Consist Of: Recognize that among the “unknowns” out there right now are the actual danger we are in (transmissibility, mortality, etc etc) and how much/little the efforts to contain or mitigate can/will be successful. Whatever those unknowns turn out to be, the way we “fail” or “succeed” is not by turning out to have been “wrong” or “right” but by having made “bad” or “good” decisions in the meantime — decisions, for example, that do or do not accord with our discernment and the voice of conscience, actions or words that do or do not build up and respect the dignity of our neighbor (especially the one who has come to different conclusions to us), our continuing or failing to carry out our vocational duties and responsibilities (as Christians, spouses, parents, neighbors, etc) in Humility, Faithfulness, and Charity. The Devil laughs loudest, not when people die or when they are wrong or deceived about facts/data, but when they can be goaded, scared, or lured into anger, hatred, suspicion, envy, greed, vanity, or despair (etc) — in other words, when they Sin.

The Hinge: In light of #4, keep the Cardinal Virtues in mind (Cardinal is derived from the Latin word cardo, which means hinge). They are the “hinges” of the moral life and provide the framework for making right decisions. Their practice will ensure that fruit is borne out of this or any trial. To review, in brief:

PRUDENCE: the practiced habit of facing reality, and making proactive decisions accordingly. Prudence is mother and mold of all other moral virtue.

JUSTICE: giving God, neighbor, and ourselves [as people we are also responsible for] what each is due, in proper order and proportion, to the best of our abilities.

COURAGE: carrying out the decisions of PRUDENCE, faithfully, even and especially when this means facing some fear, danger, or pressure to do otherwise.

TEMPERANCE: carrying out the decisions of PRUDENCE when our desires/passions [whether for comfort, power, pleasure, self, etc] would tempt us otherwise. Re-ordering these desires/passions according to PRUDENCE and JUSTICE.

Connect to the Source: In all things, be mindful of the grace of the Theological Virtues (God’s action), that precede and fulfill the Cardinal virtues (our action), and of the source of that grace. Our Lord is the source, and the Theological Virtues — Faith, Hope, and Love — are gifts that invite our conscious response and engagement. We must choose Love over hatred, Faith over distrust, Hope over despair, and we must carry out these pledges of allegiance to the creator through the actions of our lives.

Believe that the Lord remains in control during this time and that He is near to you and assisting you. Believe that He has a plan and that every moment contains His presence and will yield his opportunities and invitations to the seeking heart. Pray that the Lord may help the “unbelief” revealed by the present fears and anxieties we are experiencing.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6