In my 55 years of being a Christian and 25 years of ministry I have learned a few truths about the human condition. For example, I have learned that life is messy…and God is faithful.
By now you have heard the news that in an effort to do our part to head off the spread of the COVID—19, all public liturgies, classes and other gatherings are suspended throughout the Archdiocese at least until March 28. As drastic as it is, it makes a lot of sense. In those places, such as Hong Kong, where they took decisive action before the virus gained a foothold, the situation remained manageable. In those places where they did not, such as Italy, they quickly found themselves way behind the power curve. There is no need to wait for the flood waters to get to your door before you start filling sand bags!
While this poses some interesting challenges for us as a parish family, it also presents some unique opportunities. I’ve always been amazed at how the Good Lord can take what seems to be a dire situation and turn it into vehicle for grace.
The two primary examples of this are the Incarnation and the Passion of Our Lord. Jesus could have waited for Mary to enter Joseph’s house before he took flesh by the Holy Spirit. Instead the angel Gabriel shows up while she is merely betrothed. That was messy. Again, the suffering and death of Our Lord in his passion was a horrific experience for the disciples. Imagine what it must have been like to have seen all your hopes and dreams hanging on the Cross. That was messy. At the time they happened, the Incarnation and the Passion were devasting, but they were not the end of the story. In the fullness of time, we have come to realize that it was in these two moments of salvation history that God’s faithfulness was most manifest.
I’m not sure what special grace God has in store for us as a parish family as a result of this latest messiness. It will certainly make the remainder of Lent a bit more interesting. Much of our parish life will be online. Please see the bulletin insert and log onto the parish website: https://st.patsak.org, our parish Facebook page and Leo’s Benevolent Blog: https://frleowalsh.com for details.