Dear Parishioners,
As I write this, there appears to be a surge in Covid 19 cases in a number of states. What does our faith tell us about where God is in all this? I believe that God causes the rain to fall upon the good and the bad, but I think he is saddened by the suffering that is happening. He hears the cries of those who are in pain. He gave us marvelous bodies that have great ability to protect us against various illnesses and diseases. He gave us reasoning with which to reason out problems and create solutions in the form of medicines, procedures, actions, and great knowledge. God gives us each other to support and love each other but also to use our gifts to aid others, to comfort others, and bring hope and care. God gave us his Son as a shining sign and presence that we are not alone, but that He is with us.
I believe that God is in the hearts of the medical personnel who are working long hours. I have a friend whose daughter is an intensive care nurse in Kentucky. My friend prays that God is with her as she begins another shift, applying her skills to care for her patients. I pray that God protect my brother in Tennessee who works at Home Depot. I ask God to take away his anxiety about bringing home the virus to his wife who has medical complications. I pray for my Mom who is in a nursing home in Pennsylvania. At one point she had a roommate who had Covid, but she herself did not. I pray for the Michigan facility where my mother in law resides. She is weak and declining, and an added illness would probably overwhelm her fragile body. I ask God to strengthen those who work at jobs that keep the shelves filled and the doors open. I pray that God give courage to the many millions who are unemployed and not sure about next week’s food or mortgage payment. I thank God that my sons have jobs that allow them to do their work online with minimal visits to the office and so support their families. I pray daily that my granddaughter who is immune compromised, will stay safe as she goes in person to her special school. I pray for God’s consolation for my friend whose older co-worker passed quickly away from the virus a few months ago.
We call on God in our prayers, in our actions, in our love for each other. Let us fall on our knees for his mercy, consolation, and protection in these most difficult times.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
