As we enjoy this weekend, we realize that for all practical purposes, summer is over. Most of us have taken the time for a vacation, our children are returning to school, and most businesses have reopened. We are trying to put behind us a year and a half of COVID-19, the pandemic that all but stopped all of our everyday joys and duties.
I believe that prayer, our prayers, play a big part in where we are today. We need to continue our prayers…a prayer of thanksgiving, as well as a prayer that people continue to use wise judgment when it comes to protecting themselves and the people around them.
The restrictions on how we would worship at the sacrifice of the Mass have been lifted and are near normal, with the exception of receiving the Precious Blood. We had been able to fulfill our obligation concerning the Mass by watching it on TV or livestream. That was very good; we could hear the Word of God, and hopefully the homily related to our daily lives. Although the Sunday obligation was filled from home during the height of the pandemic, the Bishop, in May, lifted the dispensation for all except those vulnerable few who still need to maintain less contact with the public or those who need to care for them.
If these exceptions don’t apply to you, you are missing the peace and spiritual nourishment that you gain when you receive the Eucharist, the Body of Christ. For those of you that cannot, through no fault of your own, attend Mass, I implore you to reach out to our parish office to arrange for the Eucharist to be brought to you. For those of you who find it easier to stay home, I send my prayers that the Holy Spirit will grow your faith and bring you back to the Sacrifice of the Mass.
St. James tells us today, “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you, and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” We need the spiritual nourishment that we receive in the Eucharist, the true body of Christ if we are to be true doers of the word. We need this strength if we are to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. I hope to see all you back in church.
Peace,
Deacon Mike