Dear Parishioners,
With the ebb and flow of the Covid 19 virus, our country has been like a giant yo-yo, down and up, and down and up. As the severity of the virus became more widely known and infections and deaths multiplied, businesses, recreation, churches, restaurants, and social gatherings were forced to shut down. Non-essential activities were closed, and we were down. But then the virus seemed to abate, and life began to return somewhat to normal. And we were up again. Now with an upsurge in the virus, we seem to be going down again and so, too, is our morale.
We need a little good news and encouragement which we find in today’s scriptures (Is 55:1-3; Rom 8:35, 37-39; Rom 8:35, 37-39). In the psalm response, we are told “The hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs.” The gospel describes Jesus showing people pity, curing the sick, and providing food for 5,000 men not counting women and children. Finally, St. Paul tells us that we will never be separated from the love of Christ neither by death nor life. In other words, no matter what difficulties or tragedies come our way, Jesus will be there to see us through into his everlasting covenant, eternal life. We need only to remain faithful. In the meantime, let us stick to the precautions prescribed by the medical community, pray, read the bible, attend Mass, and be patient. For this too will pass.
Fr. Carl