I admit it. My own patterns of thinking lead to an inflexibility at times. I think we all have been plagued by this kind of inflexibility right now, when life continues, but is not going according to plan. Many of us are suddenly dealing with major life changes: unexpected homeschooling, working from home, laid off, struggling to provide care for our children while simultaneously working, ect. In addition, we don't have any control about how long or in what ways we will be affected by this virus ravaging our world and spreading fear, strife and sorrow among us.
In light of that inflexibility of thinking, a lot of us are mourning a loss of normalcy. Then slowly, we realize that we can adapt to the changes as they come.
In one way, that inflexibility was plaguing me in regards to worship- I spoke of my feelings of mourning regarding the temporary loss of the public mass, and subsequently of the longing for the Eucharist in my most recent blog. I was discussing these changes with my brother, a family man and former seminarian who is a great resource for both common sense and theology.
I discussed my feelings of loss and frustration; he had some insights. Firstly, this virus has caused evil in our times. We can recognize that. Through this evil time, we most certainly need guidance! We are called to be obedient to the leaders of our churches and trust them to guide us in these difficult times. We are blessed with these leaders: priests who can offer us the sacraments, and in other religions, ministers, rabbis and faith leaders who can direct us. While we wait to be more fully engaged in our faith communities, let us not forget to support them financially as their vital work needs to continue now more than ever.
We can also recognize the great blessings we have in our current culture and situation, in which we are able to worship freely and have little fear of persecution or interference. Many times and places in the past and present, it is not so. This regular blessing of readily available masses and the Eucharist is amazing and wonderful, but it hasn't always been so.
My brother shared the story of Saint Mary of Egypt. She left home at the age of 12, fled to Alexandrea, and led a life of public prostitution. After a time, she became a seductress and began to attempt to seduce Christians on Pilgrimage. Following these Christians on the occasion of the "Feast of Exaltation of the Cross", she attempted to enter the church but was physically unable despite several attempts. She retired to a corner of the churchyard, in which stood a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was filled with remorse, and besought Our Lady for help. In humility, she once again tried to enter, and now was able. She then discerned through prayer that she should depart across the River Jordan. The following day, she received her first Holy Communion in the Church of Saint John the Baptist and then departed into the wilderness of the desert, where she lived absolutely alone for 47 years! Then, Saint Zosinus, a priest and monk, came to the same desert for the entirety of lent in the custom of his order. Saint Zosinus met and befriended Saint Mary and promised to bring the Holy Eucharist to her the following year. They met again only one more time that next year, when she again received the Holy Eucharist, and then she passed from this world. When he returned the following year, he found she had passed away and buried her.
Only twice in her life was this Saint able to receive communion! Yet, God found other ways to continue to bless her and help her continue her journey of faith. The important point is that God works in any circumstances to bring us an abundance of grace, bringing us to him through a variety of paths, sending us grace in a variety of ways! While we are stuck in our inflexibility, God's whole kingdom, each action, is amazingly supple and able to reach into any circumstances.
What are some actions we can take to actively participate in receiving His grace? How can we do our part to be open to his blessings? One thing that my brother suggested as an area of great opportunity was increasing our devotion to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which as of now, is still readily available. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly known as confession, is a vital, but sometimes under-utilized sacrament for the forgiveness of sins. It is also tremendously powerful as an avenue to receive grace.
Perhaps if you are not a Catholic Christian reading this, you might wonder, what about me? In fact, a Christian friend of mine recently asked me this very question- if Non-Catholics could go to confession? Firstly, a priest is a wonderful resource for the greater good, and can (and usually quite gladly and eagerly) listen to you and discuss any problems or challenges any person might be facing and offer spiritual guidance to anyone, regardless of their religion.
All sacraments go together in God's plan for us. When we go to confession, we ask God to receive us back into the Sacramental Life. Therefore, a priest wouldn't be able to offer absolution to someone who isn't yet in the Catholic Church, in the absence of the other sacraments. Does this mean that God's forgiveness and grace aren't available? Of course not!! The gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is valuable, but God gives graces through many other avenues as well. If someone desires forgiveness, the Word tells us to confess our sins to another. At the most basic level, this starts with admitting our wrongs to the one we've wronged and repairing that bond. This helps our families, our friendships, and humanity as a whole- being humble enough to ask for forgiveness. How simple, yet how amazing! And giving of forgiveness is a life giving, loving act as well! Of course, we can also ask God for forgiveness directly. In his infinite mercy, I'm sure our fervent requests will be heard regardless of format.
Another opportunity to engage with God is reading Sacred Scripture. Thanks to the printing press, literacy and even the internet, God's Holy Word is more accessible now than ever! There are also many books, videos and resources available to help us understand scripture, which can be challenging even to those familiar with it. Oh, and you can also call a priest or other religious leader. They study the Scriptures for years!
If course, we can't forget to focus on prayer! It is our way to Him who leads us. No matter what your prayer life looks like, or how it starts . . "Our Father" "Hail Mary" "Heavenly Father" "Father God" , this time should remind us to focus on our prayer life.
We will return to "normal" life again. Perhaps it will be altered; for some more than others. But until we do, let us be ever watchful for those unexpected blessings. Let us focus our eyes on the gifts of neighbors helping neighbors, the gifts of the courage of medical workers, the gifts of more time and less busyness, and the gifts of family and life and joy.
APA citation. (1910). St. Mary of Egypt. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved March 22, 2020 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09763a.htm
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