"Faith"fully Yours

This week, as we continue living in a time of COVID-19 and stay at home orders and shut downs, I have experienced it as what I call “manna” time. When the Israelites were wandering in the dessert, the food they had brought with them from Egypt was running out and they were hungry.   They complained bitterly to Moses, begging him to intercede with God on their behalf for food.   And so the all loving and generous God provided manna or bread from heaven.   It appeared in the morning like dew on the grass and was enough to satisfy the people for the day, bringing sustenance to their bodies and spirits.   If someone tried to keep some of the food overnight in case there was a need for it the next day, it became rotten and was inedible.   In giving this gift of nourishment, God was also giving a gift of faith.   The appearance of this food was a test of faith. Did the Israelites believe that God would continue to bless and care for them, or did they feel they needed to set some aside, n

In these days of the COVID-19 pandemic, some are more reflective than ever before.  We have some time on our hands that we didn’t have before this (I personally hope we see the value in not being quite as busy – even after life has “re-opened).  What are the fruits of your reflection time?  Are you drawing closer to others?  Are you discovering more about yourself that was previously hidden?  Can you articulate this for your own growth? I ask these questions because I think they relate to one of the Easter stories that has been retold many times – the story of Thomas and his disbelief, or his doubts, or his apparent lack of faith, or … You fill in the blank.   A famous nickname has arisen from this story and is given to those who are skeptical or slow to come around to what seems obvious and true to others; “doubting Thomas.”   However, I think there is something more here.   I think that there is something about Thomas that speaks to spiritual growth and a deepening unde

  In my most recent post, I spoke of trying to worship via video, celebrating in an empty Church.   Today I offer these reflections on receiving communion under these circumstances.   As a Roman Catholic, being present at Mass and receiving communion; the body and blood of Christ, is core to our faith and to our worship.   In this time social distancing, isolation and prayer this is physically impossible. At the beginning of the “stay at home” order, I thought I had received communion for the last time in what promised to be a long time.   Turns out I was wrong.   Being one of the few staff members in the Church for the video taping of our celebrations, I am able to receive each time.   In these weeks I have gained an appreciation for the sacrament of the Eucharist like never before.   First of all, it is a privilege to be able to receive.   Because of the threat of spreading the virus, we, the pastoral ministers, are not bringing communion to the sick.   The few of us pres

In the past couple of weeks, I have been privileged to assist at the services for my faith community.   This act is not new to me. What is new is that these services are exclusively online.   There are a few ministers present to an empty worship space.   We try to make it a meaningful experience and we try to reach out to the video audience in a personal way.   It is good that we do it and it is important. However, I sit in the church to prepare myself for the recording and it just feels so empty and impersonal.   I have the same feeling when we are done.   I miss seeing the faces of those who would ordinarily be in the pews.   I miss the noise generated by families and neighbors and friends.   I miss the loving touch or warm embrace.   For me, and I think for so many, this is the greatest penance of this Lenten Season.   I have heard from many of you that it is hard to be away from the community.   I think my experience is just as hard, though in a different and unexpected way.

I thought this was as good a time as any to get back to my blog - which feels like an old friend, reaching out to friends new and old.  I write this on Friday evening, April 3, 2020.  Here in New York  State we are at about the end of week 3 of "stay at home" recommendations and such turmoil as we live through this world wide health crisis, COVID-19.  Oddly enough, this pandemic has arrived to coincide with the Lenten season.  This is the season when we are called to conversion each year. I have had several conversations with others about this whole idea of conversion.  Living through this health crisis has made me ask "how will I be different?"  This is not business as usual for Lent.  This is far more dramatic.  I am understanding more the concept of transformation vs change.  Being removed from daily errands, going to work, seeing my friends and colleagues and going to Church, I am so aware of the many blessings in my life.  I am also aware of how "busy&q