In preparation for Sunday, know that I continually offer the sacrifice of the Mass for you. In doing so during these strange days of Lent, I find myself like Moses who has climbed the mountain of the Lord alone, having left the people I have shepherded on the plains below. Even though there is a physical distance between you and the Holy Mass, be assured that at the Lord’s altar I intercede for you continually.
I am aware that, at ground zero, many are afraid or anxious, even uncertain as to what the future may hold. God only grants us one day to rise from sleep, one day to rest from our day’s labor. But the day at hand is a gift. So always be grateful in the morning and give thanks at its close. Make every hour of the day count towards offering it back to the Giver of every gift. Avoid being enslaved into the passing things of this world that count for little on the Day of Salvation. Therefore, be generous to everyone who asks, comfort and assure those who are afraid and know that, even in solitude and in the quiet, God’s voice is clearly heard. Do not be afraid of silence.
I recently called the sick and the homebound within the parish that our deacon would regularly visit to bring the sacrament of Holy Communion. Amazingly, each one of them were in good form, happy and appreciative for what little we can do. They have become our inspiration and intercession. They already know and live what we now call confinement and isolation. They live each day as a gift, never taking for granted the time allotted to each one of us. Their prayers for us, who dare to call ourselves strong, are powerful and authentic. And they know that even to receive Holy Communion once in a short lifespan is worth all the sufferings and trials of this present life. And when they partake of the divine medicine of immortality, it is never taken for granted.
To that end, I want to assure you yet again, that “behind the veil”, I offer the Sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist for you. I do not take a camera with me, nor livestream my secret whisperings to God on your behalf before my little altar. I can offer you no comfort food to hold you over for better days, but only a true sacrifice pleasing to the Lord that speaks of eternity instead.
On your part, always look towards Sunday as the victory celebration that we believe, despite the struggles, the fears and the rumors to the contrary, that Christ has already won any and every war and at every level, be it visible or invisible. We should never mistake the shouldering aftermath of the battlefield as defeat. He has risen from the dead and has already won. In His victory He is always humble, merciful and kind, tending the wounds of those who are injured, sick or afraid. Let us never be afraid of Him as He passes us by, but confess our sins and be assured of His mercy and His love that endures forever. This is the day that the Lord has made. With Mary our mother, let us rejoice and be glad.