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READ THE HOMILY:

A lot of people are keeping themselves busy these days [I pick-up an armful of devices].  For there are shows to stream, memes to send out, posts on Facebook, movies to catch up on, not to mention the school work that many of you have, or work to be done from home.  And if that’s not enough, just look around your room . . . there’s that closet that needs to cleared out, that pile of stuff you’ve neglected for years, the garage to be organized, photos to categorize  . . . and on and on.

Even though we are told to sit tight and not go out, we can be overwhelmed with DISTRACTIONS.  Over-powered with things that need to be looked at or cleaned.  In the gospel Jesus says to Lazarus, “Come out from that tomb.”   Perhaps if Jesus were to address you sitting there today he might say, “Come out from those distractions.”

Now don’t get me wrong, this COVID 19 virus is serious and none of us should be taking this lightly, but this shutting down of our normal activities can become a great teacher.    Jesus was trying to teach Martha in the gospel.  Teach her to trust and have hope, even in bad times. 

This COVID 19 can teach us a few things.  Now, I don’t believe that God does things to teach us a lesson, but I do believe that we can learn from everything that happens to us.  God is trying to reach us, always.  And unfortunately, sometimes the only way that we open ourselves to God is when we suffer.  The unique thing about this pandemic is that we are suffering together.  This will get better for each of us, when it gets better for all of us.

Still, Jesus is saying, “Come out from those distractions.”  And like I have been saying for years  I believe that there are three areas that we can learn to grow in: Good sleep, good exercise, good prayer.

So get sleep.  Use this “off days” to go to bed earlier, wake up later.  Listen to your body.  Perhaps even take some naps during the day.

Get some exercise.  OK you can’t get to the gym but you can get to the floor . . . and stretch, and do some push-ups or some ab work.  Or as we have been allowed go outside.  I say, not just walk, but do some “mindful walking.”  That is, look around, observe.  Try some slow walking and look around. 

And the big one . . . good prayer. Blaise Pascal (a French Theologian from the 16th century) wrote, “All of humanity's problems stem from our inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”  Perhaps this the perfect time for you to finally try some good daily prayer . . . read the bible, we are in Matthew’s gospel currently.  Read it.  Or read along with the daily Masses which are in our bulletin and website (incidentally I am still praying a Mass every day for all of you.)

Use this time to reflect on some of the deeper questions of your life . . .

Who Am I?

Why am I here?

What is my purpose in life?

Chat with God about such things . . . and better yet, allow some time for God to talk with you.  

Perhaps in the silence, you will sense something.

Perhaps in the scripture, something will ring true.

Perhaps in a meditation, a repeating of a word or prayers such as we do in the rosary you will find an answer to that deep question.

These are difficult times for many of you.  Especially those in financial crisis or those who feel alone.  As a Parish we have identified all the members in our parish over 80 who don’t have email, so Pastoral Council, BeFrienders and others are in contact with them. 

Perhaps there is someone that you could be in contact with.  Call them.  Write them. Pray for them.

May we, who are merely inconvenienced,

remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we, who have no risk factors,

remember those most vulnerable.

May we, who have the luxury of working from home,

remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.

May we, who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close,

remember those who have no options.

May we, who have to cancel our trips,

remember those who have no safe place to go.

May we, who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market,

remember those who have no margin at all.

May we, who settle in for a quarantine at home,

remember those who have no home at all.

As fear grips our country, may we instead choose faith, hope, and love.

During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,

God, help us find ways to your loving embrace to our neighbors  . . . as we come out of our distractions.  

I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.