The term "social distancing" is being used by many people because of the concern (I hate to use the word fear) of getting the Coronavirus which, as we know is very contagious. It is something that seems to be necessary to do now to combat and hopefully to help eliminate this health threat to people all over the world. The term "social distancing" does, however, have some negative connotations and consequences if it leads us to pull back from and even isolate ourselves from other people. To do so is to go against and deprive ourselves of the blessings that come when we let others into our lives and when we enter the lives of others. Our Lord's coming into the world, among other things was a great message from God that said and says: "I want to come closer to you, and assure you every day that you are not alone."
As we just recently recalled the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma 25 years ago, we are reminded of the sometimes deadly impact of evil but also what can, and sadly does happen, when someone (in this case Timothy McVeigh) lives a solitary, isolated life that in this case led to such a heartless act against innocent men, women and children which sadly we have seen over and over again in other places (including schools like Columbine and Sandy Hook). Some are obviously affected and impacted more than others by the practice of social distancing and even isolation in the face of the threat posed by the Coronavirus. For all of us, however, it is an opportunity to draw closer to others if not in physical space, but in caring for and about one another (especially those who are on the margins of society who had little if any cushion to deal with the effects of unemployment which have struck so many people). It also affords us the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord as an individual and in our family situations, including our faith family.
That is why I am so happy that starting today (Tuesday, when I compose my pastor's column) we are resuming the opportunity for us to come to the Lord and be physically with him and hopefully also with some of our brothers and sisters in Christ in our second home, the Church, as we have daytime prayer, reflection and adoration with Jesus present for us in the Monstrance from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EVERY DAY of the week. It is not Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (which I hope we resume sooner than later) but it is call to come to the Lord to receive the strength that only he can give and the strength that only he can give and the strength that comes from connecting with one another (at a safe distance) and praying for ourselves and others, especially those who are sick or even dying from the Coronavirus as well as those who have died and their families who are in mourning.
As we gaze on Jesus and look at the Easter Candle, we are ever reminded and encouraged by the reality that he is "THE LIGHT" that overcomes the darkness of isolation, sin, and death and calls us to our final destiny, to live forever in HIS presence AND the company of the saints. What a wonderful time it truly is to REJOICE in the Risen Lord who is FOREVER with us. ALLELUIA!
As we just recently recalled the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma 25 years ago, we are reminded of the sometimes deadly impact of evil but also what can, and sadly does happen, when someone (in this case Timothy McVeigh) lives a solitary, isolated life that in this case led to such a heartless act against innocent men, women and children which sadly we have seen over and over again in other places (including schools like Columbine and Sandy Hook). Some are obviously affected and impacted more than others by the practice of social distancing and even isolation in the face of the threat posed by the Coronavirus. For all of us, however, it is an opportunity to draw closer to others if not in physical space, but in caring for and about one another (especially those who are on the margins of society who had little if any cushion to deal with the effects of unemployment which have struck so many people). It also affords us the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord as an individual and in our family situations, including our faith family.
That is why I am so happy that starting today (Tuesday, when I compose my pastor's column) we are resuming the opportunity for us to come to the Lord and be physically with him and hopefully also with some of our brothers and sisters in Christ in our second home, the Church, as we have daytime prayer, reflection and adoration with Jesus present for us in the Monstrance from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EVERY DAY of the week. It is not Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (which I hope we resume sooner than later) but it is call to come to the Lord to receive the strength that only he can give and the strength that only he can give and the strength that comes from connecting with one another (at a safe distance) and praying for ourselves and others, especially those who are sick or even dying from the Coronavirus as well as those who have died and their families who are in mourning.
As we gaze on Jesus and look at the Easter Candle, we are ever reminded and encouraged by the reality that he is "THE LIGHT" that overcomes the darkness of isolation, sin, and death and calls us to our final destiny, to live forever in HIS presence AND the company of the saints. What a wonderful time it truly is to REJOICE in the Risen Lord who is FOREVER with us. ALLELUIA!