We are living our everyday life in unusual circumstances because of the COVID-19 and maybe it is easy to say that the obligatory lockdown is preventing us from living life normally. However, if we see this in a positive way, we can say that COVID-19 has given us a new opportunity to think about how we are living!
Here in Peru, the president has extended the obligatory lockdown six times. I experienced this situation for three months. This pandemic has given me an opportunity to live quietly and become more aware of creation, family and friends, and quiet time for daily prayer.
This pandemic is inviting us to become closer to people. Before this pandemic many family members didn't have time to see one another because of their busy schedules. Many families are spending a lot of time together now. This pandemic is helping us to strenthen our family relationships. 
Although I am far away from my Mission, it does not stop me from reaching out to people there. I still find time to send greetings through messages, phone calls and video calls. This lockdown has also given me time to think about what is important regarding my relationship with others and I give thanks to God for that. I feel closer to them in my personal prayers and When I celebrate Mass.
When the pandemic is over, we will be able to see the blue sky again, hear again the birds singing, watch the plants grow. Maybe, before we didn’t have time for that. Here, God is showing us his creation and inviting us to reflect more and to care for creation.
Let us continue trusting and praying that this pandemic does not make us forget our relationship with creation and others. The Covid-19 is not over yet. We are not sure what tomorrow will bring. Let us continue our journey of faith proclaiming the Kingdom of God, caring for creation, living better everday, having time for our families, thinking of others, working to build a better society, because our mission continue where we are and what we can do, here and now.
Fr. Nilton Iman is a Columban associate priest in Peru.
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