Rev. Kevin Fazio

George Costanza, the neurotic character from the classic sitcom “Seinfeld,” claimed in one of the episodes that God would never allow him to be successful.

The person he was speaking to, a psychologist, responded simply that “I thought you didn't believe in God.”

Costanza's quick-witted response: “For the bad things I do!”

One of the questions many people are asking, writing about and speculating on during this global pandemic crisis is this: “Will people change when this is behind us and all over?”

History teaches us that the answer is both “Yes” and “No.”

Any major event throughout all of human history, inclusive of The Christ Event, contains the power and the ability to change human hearts and human behavior for the better if we so choose. God gives each of us the gift of a “free will.” The Christ Event means his life, Passion, death and Resurrection, which Christians believe continues in both physical and metaphysical ways to this day.

The first people to physically see the resurrected, glorified body of Jesus did not recognize him right away. It was his disciples' hearts that needed to be changed before they could recognize and accept him as The Savior, now victorious over death for all time and all people.

Some chose to believe and be transformed, preaching a Christ based on faith. He continues to live and be present at all times — not just during the good times, not just during the bad times.

Some chose to not believe and not to follow The Way, as the first Christians were called in the earliest days of this “new” religion.

The same happens today, and the answer to the question “Will people change when COVID-19 is controlled and we are able to return to a 'normal' life?” lies deep within each and every one of our hearts and souls.

The Rev. Kevin Fazio is administrator of Butler Area Catholic Parishes, which includes St. Andrew, St. Fidelis, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Paul and St. Peter churches.