God’s kingdom on earth!
Throughout the newness and disruption of our routines, there is at least one truth upon which we can rely: the love of God and the gift of God’s grace in order to love others, even our enemies. We will continue to need to cooperate, collaborate and work as a team for the sake of the Common Good. Let us work together and conspire to bring to light the Kingdom of Heaven on earth!
The medical community has brought us much good news about the COVID-19 vaccines, both locally and beyond. Some of our parishioners have returned and are present for the celebration of the Eucharist. They cite having received the vaccine as the reason for engaging in activities again. They have told me that they have been more active in other ways as well. It is a liberating experience for which I can sense their happiness.
Without doubt, there also are reasons for continued caution. Masks, maintaining physical distance, and good hand sanitizing are still necessary. I would like to remind people that handshaking has always been a way by which to spread germs. With the coronavirus dangers we need to be very careful that we are not facilitating infection. Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hand or fingers without disinfecting the hands remains a risky behavior. Because I meet so many different people, many of whom are vulnerable to the flu, COVID-19, colds, and other infections, especially the elderly, I am not ready to offer my hand to everyone I meet. I invite you to greet one another with a desire to maintain good health for all.
It was a year ago in March that limits were placed on public gatherings. I began a period of celebrating Mass and other times of worship in front of cameras. And all of you began to participate at the parish Mass in the best way possible by means of Facebook, or television, with Mass from the Cathedral. For some of you, this still is the primary means by which to participate in your faith community’s worship. I applaud you and affirm you for your perseverance during difficult times.
Learning to read Scripture on our own and formulating new ways of praying is a novelty for so many of you. I admit that praying for “spiritual communion” has been a way by which I have become more aware of the limitations that some people experienced long before COVID-19 restrictions. People who were unable to attend Mass because of illness, or weakness that comes with aging, as well as those whose status prevent them from receiving Holy Communion (usually marriage related) have become a new focus of prayer for me. Let us pray for the edification of God’s kingdom on earth!
Peace, Fr. Andy