Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash
March 23
“Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth.” These words from the prophet Isaiah seem so necessary right now. All the words of Sacred Scripture seem so different in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. Don’t we need a new heavens and a new earth so desperately these days?
It seems there is so much uncertainty in our world right now. When will things change and get back to normal? When will we feel safe again? When will the normal ways we pray return to us? When will we be able to go to Mass again, impossible for so many?
We are in a time where we simply are not certain of so many things. But maybe this time is when we are to remember what is certain. For what is certain is far more important than any uncertainty.
What is certain? God. God still loves us. God still extends grace to us. God is still present. God is still God. Jesus has not left us. And perhaps most of all, what is certain, is that Jesus, the Son of God, can take our uncertainties, our doubts, our worries and anxieties, and make them whole.
This has been quite a Lent. We have lived a real Lent, not having to worry that somehow spiritual growth is all on us, but to be reminded spiritual growth is always on God. We simply respond to what Jesus wants to do with us.
So perhaps it is best to think this Lent of the ways in which the absence of Mass, the absence of receiving the Eucharist can make us hunger more for the Eucharist, for Mass, when this is over. Perhaps we will not take Mass for granted. Perhaps we will realize more deeply the love that God has for each one of us.
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, We know, that in many ways, you are making things new. We know that despite all the changes the world is asking of us, we can be assured of your unending love for each one of us. Help us to know and to feel this love, especially during times of doubt and anxiety. Help us to know your love has no end. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Music: Cheezy Piano Medley by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4833-cheezy-piano-medley
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
