From the Pastor's Desk: March 22, 2020

From the Pastor’s Desk:                                                                                                                 
March 22, 2020
 
     Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Lent– Laetare Sunday– named for the first word of the entrance antiphon- “laetare” (“rejoice”). Although this Sunday liturgy invites us to rejoice, our lives today have very little, if any, sense of joy and are filled rather with anxiety, fear, and chaos. Today with our 24 hour a day/ 7 days a week media blanket, we are affected by more than the coronavirus (COVID-19). It seems that we are bombarded with information, and most of us are uncertain of what “news” to believe as “the truth.”  This constant “breaking news” virtual media-world creates its own kind of chaos and uncertainty.
 
     This virus is believed to have started in China and has spread across the world. As of recent there have been over 3,800 confirmed cases of the virus in the U.S. and 69 confirmed deaths due of the coronavirus.  However, to keep this in perspective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were approximately 34,000 deaths in the U.S. from influenza in the 2018-2019 flu season.
 
     According to the experts in the medical field, it is important to keep in mind that the coronavirus brings most serious health concerns to the elderly and those persons with a weakened immune system. Most infected individuals do not become seriously ill. Furthermore, 98-99% of those infected will fully recover. The key to avoiding infections, in general, is to keep good common sense for the next few weeks. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help the spread of respiratory diseases including: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.  Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. And go to reputable websites for health information, such as CDC.gov.
 
     For us at our parish, I would encourage each one of us to take this uncertainty, this sense of chaos, this loss of control and spiritual poverty and turn to the Lord - our Hope, our Way, our Truth, and Life itself.
 
     Please, stay close to your parish community in prayer. Let’s find ways to reach out to those in need, those who suffer and those who need our strength and support. And even in these difficult days, may today’s Sunday shed the light of joy into our lives. Our Lord’s healing of a blind man brought joy to his live because of his physical healing – he was able to see and fully admire the gift of God’s creation. But Jesus also gave him the gift of spiritual sight- the gift of faith.  The Lord enabled the blind man to recognize and see God in Jesus. He enabled him to encounter his Creator knowingly, face to face. It was an overwhelming experience expressed with gratitude and awe- so much so that he fell down at Christ's feet and worshipped Him, in the middle of the crowded Temple.
 
 
     In the midst of our trying times, we, too, are given the same two gifts from God– the gift of our lives with all that entails, and our supernatural life, our knowledge of, faith in, and friendship with Christ. The blind man stood up to the powerful Pharisees, defending Christ's lordship, even at the risk of being expelled from the synagogue - making him into a social outcast. Which do we value more?
 
     Let us also continue to benefit from the Best Lent Ever Program and remain focused on the Lenten disciplines of fasting, prayer, and charity.
 
     May the intercessions of St. Jude, St. Blaise and the Blessed Mother of God assist us during this time!  I pray for a safe, healthy, and peace-filled week for all of us!  Please pray, breathe, and stay calm.
 
With prayers,
Fr. Andy