Eventually, this life is going to end. It may be through death, or it may be when the Lord returns. St. Paul covers this in our first reading from 1 Thessalonians 4.
In the Gospel reading today, we start with the beginning of Jesus' public ministry in Luke 4. At the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus reads from Isaiah and says, "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." "And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth." But things would quickly turn ugly. After Jesus says something else, the people were "filled with fury." They took him out of the town and intended to hurl him off a cliff. "But he passed through the midst of them and went away."
In other words, Jesus went from hero to zero in the blink of an eye. This reminds me of the fickleness of the mob. We see it all the time, even (especially?) today. One can be a hero when they say what the mob wants to hear or does what the mob wants them to do. But if you say or do something, even perfectly reasonable, that the mob doesn't like, look out. They will turn and tear you to pieces. Here's some advice: to heck with the mob. Stick to your values and principles and let the chips fall where they may.
Father, give us the courage to not care about or cave to the mob. May we stick to godly principles despite the cost. Amen.
Just a comment on your reflection on What Would Jesus Do concerning your bout with Covid. What Would Jesus Do in the first place is He would urge everyone to get a vaccine. He would have believed in the scientists that he gave such brilliant minds to, to develop safe and effective vaccines.
I agree with your (especially?).
The herd mentality is alive and well. I pray for all who love Him to follow His true shepherds (like you Gus!) and to protect us from false prophets.
Do not go along to get along!