I last posted 14 days ago. Since then the world has changed. Normalcy as we know it has given way to extraordinarily precautious restrictions. All this due to the caronavirus that is afflicting the world community. There is no way that you cannot have heard of or been affected by this pandemic.
Nations are on lockdown and quarentine. The tally of those who tested positive skyrockets and the death tolls continues to grow. I just heard that Italy saw over 350 deaths in the last 24 hours, and they are not at the peak of the epidemic. We are just at the early stages in this country, and drastic efforts are being taken to contain the spread of the virus, which is particularly dangerous to the elderly and those suffering from other chronic illnesses. These are frightening times.
We even find that the public celebration of the Mass and our public prayer life have been suspended for the forseable future. I cannot remember that ever happening before in my years of priesthood and even in my lifetime. And yet, the time to pray has never been more vital.
A part of me balks at these drastic restrictions to the living out of our faith life. We do trust in the love and providence of the Lord in our lives. Then why act as if we do not trust? If it involved simply myself, things might be different. But these precautions are meant to curtail the spread of the virus, and therefore are for the sake of others. We must do our part. And that includes intensifying our prayer and sacrifice, of sharing our love and concern, and of awaiting that turning point when life will once again return to normal and the new life of Spring will come again. Meanwhile, nothing will be regular or the same ... not even our faith ... which must deepen with every harship and restriction placed before our lives.
Be strong! Keep the faith! Be careful and responsible! And renew your deep friendship with the Lord of Life, Jesus the Christ!
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