All things are passing.
If these were normal times, we
would be having First Communion Mass this Sunday and preparing for
Confirmations. We would all be looking forward to the end of the school year
and graduation ceremonies. But as things are, everything is on hold.
During this national shutdown we
have been working from home and doing school at home. We have also been
worshiping at home. We have come to recognize the family as ‘the domestic
church,’ or as Pope John Paul II described it, ‘the Church in miniature.’
Even though our church doors have
been closed we can still maintain a vibrant faith. Jesus said, “Where two or
three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” We may not be able to go
to Jesus’ house, but he certainly will come into ours. “Behold, I stand at the
door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to
him and eat with him, and he with me.” In these difficult times, we invite
Jesus to enter our homes, not only as an honored guest, but as the sovereign
head of our families.
We need to keep on praying
together. Read the Bible. Pray the Rosary. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
Watch daily Mass. Cardinal Collins is live-streaming Mass every morning from
St. Michael’s Cathedral. If you are not familiar with EWTN, now is the time to
check them out. There are so many Catholic resources available to us on the
internet that we can be using.
Like everyone else, I am fed up
with the lockdown, but I am being a responsible citizen and staying isolated as
much as possible. Ordinarily, I would be taking some time after Easter to
visit with family and friends. That is now on hold. In some ways, this
shutdown is not much different from being on a spiritual retreat. It has been a
time for prayer and study. I am still celebrating Mass every day for the people
of the parish.
I cannot predict the future, but I
am hoping that we can soon get back to public worship. If there is anything
good that comes from this pandemic, I hope that it will be an increased
appreciation for the Sacraments. It will be a great day when we open our doors
and once again come together in prayer. Traditionally, at such times we would
be singing the ancient hymn, Te Deum,
a song of praise and thanksgiving to God: “To you all angels, all the powers of
heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and
might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.”
As we continue to pray for each
other, let us keep in mind the words of St. Teresa of Avila:
Let nothing disturb you; let
nothing frighten you.
All things are passing; God never
changes.
Patient endurance obtains all
things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.
