The Lent of 2020 is one we will never forget. In the midst of our 40 days of chosen penances and extra prayers, God has allowed into the world and into our midst the physical and spiritual challenge of the coronavirus.

 

Because of that virus, for the first time in generations, many are faced with very fundamental questions about life. How could something like this happen in our modern and hygienic culture? How will I live in a situation where it seems I have little control over the life and circumstances of my family? And perhaps lurking beyond all other considerations is, what if I get sick and in the worst case am confronted with death itself? Am I truly ready and willing to meet Jesus?

 

For us as Catholics, the situation is made more difficult because this unseen virus is not just an attacker from outside. It is an evil that we can acquire or give to others without knowing it. And so to avoid the spread of the virus even more widely in society, for the moment we cannot even access the consolation of the Mass and perhaps the other sacraments.

 

All of this could seem quite dire except for one thing. Our faith calls us to look at this challenge and indeed at the whole of life with the eyes of Christ Himself. He has told us that He is with us always, even to the end of the age (Mt. 28:8). He has said, “I will not leave you orphans” (Jn 14:18).

 

Our task at this moment is to live that conviction. We are people of faith and people of hope. And we truly trust that even in the face of this unseen aggressor, Christ walks with us and knows what we need.

 

That conviction will not remove any sadness from the loss of routine, savings, health or even the loss of a loved one, should that  occur. But the knowledge that Jesus Himself has already gone through such moments before us gives us the courage to face our fears and to know that our worries and sufferings have meaning.

 

We know as well that while daily or weekly Mass is of inestimable value, we are also part of the Church of all times that has gathered in the catacombs for Mass when they could. Others waited months or years for a missionary to come and offer the sacraments again. Oppressive regimes even in our present day keep some of our brothers and sisters from the privilege of the Mass as often as we are able to attend.

 

A moment like this, with the unavailability of the sacraments, gives us a chance to reflect deeply. Have I taken Mass, Holy Communion or confession for granted? This can be a moment, like Lenten fasting, to deepen my love and appreciation for these gifts.

 

Above all, the current moment is a time when society needs us to witness. We need to foster and to reflect in our words and actions a sense of calm and even joy that others, especially those who have lost their faith or never had any, will see.

 

We should live simply, avoid the hoarding that is going on, and be mindful of the needs of our neighbors, especially the elderly near us who might be living alone and working through their own needs and worries. 

 

Above all, now is a time to pray. Alone, in our families, perhaps by social media, prayer will help us stay rooted in faith, the real answer to this and every challenge.

 

Please know of my prayers for all of you. I ask for your prayers in return.