I wanted to write each of you to assure that you are in our prayers in a very special way. Fr Kevin and I have been celebrating masses, which you have not been able to attend.
However, Jesus said: “on that day you shall know that you are in me and I am in you”. You are in Christ, He said so. And we find you in Christ: in His thoughts, in His sufferings, in His joys, in His love, in His Heart: you are in Him, and so is He.
It is a shame that public worship is considered a ------ “non-essential” activity; stores are open, and it’s okay because they are essential: we have a body; we are not separate spirits. God created our bodies, and we are to take care of them. We nourish our physical life, and more than once a day. But we also have a soul, which is essential! Our soul acts through spiritual light and love. It also needs to be nourished, three or four times a day. And public worship is an essential aspect of our spiritual nourishment. Indeed.
But the good news is that public worship is enacted whenever the Liturgy of the Church is celebrated: even if the priest is by himself, still he joins the whole Church whenever the Mystery of Christ is celebrated. We understand the meaning of the law: we are told not to be physically in public to overcome the pandemic. We understand, and we see this is the way we can cooperate. BUT DO NOT FORGET: whenever the Mass is celebrated you are there. We, priests, see the Heart of Jesus, and we find you there. “You are in me”. It is a peculiar way of getting together! But it takes place constantly, because we are in Him not for an hour, but always.
God knows that it is a particular situation, and He will help us to grow in these difficult times. We don’t complain! We don’t blame!
With the grace of God, we take what we are given by Him. And we are grateful. It is an unforgettable Season of Lent. I’ll write you next week, with the help of God.
In the meantime, let us pray for the sick people, for the doctors and all personnel of hospitals, for the authorities and for those who have to make tough decisions.
Please, visit our website: (http://stjamesmr.org/), you will find information on Masses; with the help of God we will get started this weekend, if not living stream (I am trying to learn!), at least a recorded video, made on the same day.