As we continue to live through the many and changing elements of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States and here in the Diocese of Rockford, we need to adapt as well our spiritual response to those changes.

 

For example, at first, people seemed to be in shock that an illness, unseen in its transmission and reception could come among us. Many, including believers, thought this could not happen in our place or in our time in history. 

 

Faith had to begin immediately to adapt to a potential threat to life and family and friends.

 

Next, as the advice of health officials became more urgent, social restrictions on the numbers of people gathering and their distancing were urged, especially from a national level. That was followed by other local guidance. 

 

We also saw the unsettling stories of illness and death in Italy and elsewhere, heightening the anxiety. 

 

For many, the thoughts and prayers of faith now began to reflect on the meaning of life itself. Why am I here? Why does God allow suffering and death? Can we be confident of Christ’s love in the midst of suffering? 

 

These are good and serious thoughts, but questions that we often don’t struggle with when our lives are relatively safe and comfortable.

 

Next came the closures of businesses and the Shelter in Place order in the State of Illinois. With that, to join the Church’s own efforts to protect the faithful and others they might meet should they contract the virus, we know of the great sacrifice of temporarily suspending public Masses and the other related details concerning the sacraments.

 

 I feel that temporary loss very deeply as I do the need to cancel our annual Be Reconciled Day.

 

Our diocesan faithful now have to wrestle with a reality that the Church in various places in the world have often confronted — limited and irregular access to the sacraments. 

 

Correspondingly, we now need to find spiritual responses such as Spiritual Communion and making a Perfect Act of Contrition so that our faith remains strong and committed during our time away from the sacraments. 

 

We would also do well to remind ourselves that our absence from the Mass is not unprecedented. We can reflect on the fact that the recorded history of many of the older parishes in the Diocese of Rockford, even from before its establishment in 1908, describes periodic visits and Masses offered by itinerate missionary priests.

 

It is good for us to reflect on this sort of spiritual journey of the last month or so. It is a reminder of the many elements and the depth of our faith, which is not static. Faith adapts to the constantly changing joys and the challenges we encounter.

 

But this also raises a question at every moment. What does faith require now?

 

I would suggest that we need to remind ourselves of the importance of our witness to Jesus and our Catholic faith before the world. Jesus has told us, “You are the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13). Salt touches every part of the dish to which it is added. It gives the right flavor and it preserves food from decay.

 

Jesus also told us, “You are the light of the world. ... your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mt 5, 14, 16).

 

Right now, many need to be given hope by the example of people with true faith. They need our sense of serenity in the face of all the challenges. 

 

They need to see that we have a quiet conviction that in our walking with Christ we fear no evil for He is there with His crook and His staff. This is our salt and light.

 

In this moment when others may hoard or argue, whether from fear or selfishness, we must be examples of prayer, of charity, of sacrifice, of restraint.

 

It is when true faith is tested that it shines most brightly. In our current moments of challenge Christ walks with us. Let’s pray for the grace to meet the test.