The enduring crisis brought on by the outbreak of the coronavirus is shared by all of us. The social distancing, the inability personally to attend Mass so as not to contribute to the spread of the virus, the devastation of family finances and all the consequences that follow mean that at some level everyone is touched by these alterations to our accustomed way of living.

 

Of course many of those who are well off have the means of this world to mitigate some of the social and economic inconveniences and struggles of this moment. Nevertheless, if we have watched the news we know that even they have not been immune to the bottom line of this moment. That is, contracting the disease itself with many of the devastating results.

 

At the same time the effects of the virus has hit hardest among those who are poor or who struggle each month to make ends meet. Those whose dignity of work is related to day labor situations or who work in or own small businesses have been hurt by the forced closures of their source of income and the shelter in place guidance.

 

There have been numerous conversations about and comments on the lessons of this moment that people are learning. Many, being forced to follow the Mass by some form of social media, have begun to rethink their relation to Jesus in the Eucharist. 

 

What had been so taken for granted, the easy access to Mass and regular reception of Holy Communion or the adoration of Christ in the Eucharist, now becomes more deeply recognized as a prized gift from the Lord. The time of separation for some has become like an extended Lent, a form of fasting from something good that creates an even deeper desire for that good.

 

Above all, what we must not allow is some sort of virtual complacency to set in. Pope Francis this week made a strong point that for this moment, virtual connection with Christ, the Church and our parish through social media is a worthwhile and valuable help. But it can in no way replace our personal participation at Mass. As we know, Mass attendance is continually diminishing, year by year. We should pray that when it is possible to gather again for the public celebration of Mass, we will note a more regular attendance and even a return to Mass for some who have been away.

 

At the same time, we need to learn a spiritual lesson in patience and acceptance of God’s help to confront challenges. We all wonder when will this end? When will the restrictions be eased or lifted? But as we follow all of the contrasting opinions and the statistics of infection and death rates, the back and forth leaves us to conclude that no one really knows for sure what the future holds not only now, but in the case of any projected second wave of the virus.

 

Our response of faith is to be serene and to place our trust in the Lord. That is different from being complacent. We should not expect or look for a human certainty that is not possible. Instead we live our lives of active faith, prayer and charity as best we can.

 

It is also essential that we be vigilant that this moment not be used by government or by those with secular or partisan agendas to encroach upon the full meaning of religious freedom. There is a clear distinction between contributing to the common good of society by avoiding situations that could spread the virus, and acceptance of the authority of government to limit arbitrarily our worship and practice of the faith.

 

There are many lessons and conversions of heart that will come from this moment. In faith, we should be open to how the Lord will use this outbreak to bring us closer to the Church and to Himself.