It just does not feel like Lent. Watching the Mass on television or the internet is far from the real deal. Even spiritual reading seems pointless during these days of fasting from the sacramental life of the Church. I have come to realize that the context of my spiritual reading and meditation has always been centered around the full, conscious, and active participation in the sacraments. I am experiencing spiritual desolation in a way I have never encountered prior to this time. As we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week, I am simply feeling a great sense of loss.
There is a word I need to hear today--perseverance! I am sharing that with you in case you need to hear it too. Keep fighting the good fight. Run the race to the finish. Stay faithful.
My heart breaks for our world today. I pray for the sick and the dying, especially those dying alone. I pray for all of the front line workers during this pandemic. I pray for all who are unemployed due to this virus. I pray for all who will be hurt in a multitude of ways because of the shutdown of our society. These are uncertain times.
When I can't sleep at night, I lay there and think. That is probably why I can't sleep. Recently, my thoughts have been focusing on the future. What is in store for us down the road as individuals, as a Church, as a nation?
Individually, we will each be impacted. Even for those who stayed employed and were not hurt financially, there is no going through an event like this without facing some changes in family dynamics, daily habits, attitude, outlook on life, and so much more. For those who lost jobs and incomes, I can only imagine the level of fear and uncertainty that comes with that experience. Workers watching their 401 k accounts plummet can only stand by and hope that the market will eventually come back.
What about our Church and other nonprofit organizations? How long can these institutions survive under the current circumstances? Parishioners aren't going to church. Will they financially support a church community that has closed its doors to them? If the unemployment rate rises to the 30% mark as some have suggested, will there be enough people left who are able to support our churches and other nonprofit organizations? How many doors will be shuttered permanently?
What does this closure do to the faith life of the people? When society is freed up again, will people flock back to church? Or will parishioners be accustomed to life without the church community and the celebration of the sacraments? Statistics are already dismal in regard to active membership in the faith community. Will a couple of months without access exacerbate these statistics?
Finally, what will be the long term consequences for our nation? Social distancing will probably be with us in one shape or another for good. Those types of changes do not concern me. The things I will be keeping my eyes on will center on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The rights removed so easily and quickly during this pandemic have set a precedent that worries me.
Holy Week--get ready to enter into this important week. It is different this year. It is abnormal. However, let us not miss the opportunity to grow in holiness. Read the passion narrative. Pray the Stations of the Cross in your home. Read the lives of the saints or some other spiritual reading. Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Sit quietly before a crucifix. Please do not skip Holy Week. God is calling us into the deep. Cast your net.
My dear readers, please know of my continued prayers for all of you.
There is a word I need to hear today--perseverance! I am sharing that with you in case you need to hear it too. Keep fighting the good fight. Run the race to the finish. Stay faithful.
My heart breaks for our world today. I pray for the sick and the dying, especially those dying alone. I pray for all of the front line workers during this pandemic. I pray for all who are unemployed due to this virus. I pray for all who will be hurt in a multitude of ways because of the shutdown of our society. These are uncertain times.
When I can't sleep at night, I lay there and think. That is probably why I can't sleep. Recently, my thoughts have been focusing on the future. What is in store for us down the road as individuals, as a Church, as a nation?
Individually, we will each be impacted. Even for those who stayed employed and were not hurt financially, there is no going through an event like this without facing some changes in family dynamics, daily habits, attitude, outlook on life, and so much more. For those who lost jobs and incomes, I can only imagine the level of fear and uncertainty that comes with that experience. Workers watching their 401 k accounts plummet can only stand by and hope that the market will eventually come back.
What about our Church and other nonprofit organizations? How long can these institutions survive under the current circumstances? Parishioners aren't going to church. Will they financially support a church community that has closed its doors to them? If the unemployment rate rises to the 30% mark as some have suggested, will there be enough people left who are able to support our churches and other nonprofit organizations? How many doors will be shuttered permanently?
What does this closure do to the faith life of the people? When society is freed up again, will people flock back to church? Or will parishioners be accustomed to life without the church community and the celebration of the sacraments? Statistics are already dismal in regard to active membership in the faith community. Will a couple of months without access exacerbate these statistics?
Finally, what will be the long term consequences for our nation? Social distancing will probably be with us in one shape or another for good. Those types of changes do not concern me. The things I will be keeping my eyes on will center on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The rights removed so easily and quickly during this pandemic have set a precedent that worries me.
Holy Week--get ready to enter into this important week. It is different this year. It is abnormal. However, let us not miss the opportunity to grow in holiness. Read the passion narrative. Pray the Stations of the Cross in your home. Read the lives of the saints or some other spiritual reading. Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Sit quietly before a crucifix. Please do not skip Holy Week. God is calling us into the deep. Cast your net.
My dear readers, please know of my continued prayers for all of you.
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