The days in which we find ourselves are troubling. The worst of the pandemic now affecting decisions great and small seems “far off” still, yet significant patterns of our lives here at home are affected as well. We have learned quickly from our neighbors around the globe that delayed preventative measures lose their power to protect us and make a difference.
I am grateful to parishioners and staff who are making it possible to meet public health and Church requirements to do all that we can while suspending activity that would put us and those to whom we must minister at risk. Information can be found on our parish and diocesan websites regarding national, regional, and local resources, including live and recorded celebrations of Mass during this time.
From this weekend’s Scripture readings, we read of the blind beggar whom Jesus heals. He who was blind sees, who was in darkness, now walks in the light. From the “Seven Last Words” previously planned for this Wednesday, we hear Jesus cry from the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” But we know that he suffered willingly, confident in the love of God which would save him … will save us!
With such confidence in God’s love for us and God’s grace poured out upon us, these days remain a challenge, but they are a challenge which we face in light. While our patterns of being with each other must be altered, our patterns of being for each other must not. We will continue to employ the creativity and ingenuity that says “Yes” to all we can, and even to every temporary change we must make.
In the short term, we will come to realize, perhaps, just how meaningful and valuable are the people, the patterns, and the resources in our lives. In the long term, I pray that we will be able to look back and ahead, knowing it was dark, but light is always ours!