"Faith"fully Yours

A friend of mine has suggested that this time of living with COVID-19 is really a call to live even more in the present moment.  I used to think that I did a pretty good job of living in the moment, but I am learning how untrue this is.  As long ago scheduled events drop off my calendar like leaves from a tree in autumn and as I try to figure out what to do each day, I am learning that I am a creature of habit; that I like being productive in a predictable way; that I believe in some longe range planning and that I define myself at least somewhat by my position/occupation.  I believe that each of these things are valuable to a point.  However, when this is all we have, then staying in and appreciating the present moment is a real challenge. As a person of faith in the divine, in a God who became one of us to show us the way to return to God, I believe that God is in everything.   Even when I find myself in a mess of a relationship or a difficult decision or tr...

In this new “pandemic” reality in which we find ourselves, I struggle with the thought that all of this is of God (or a punishment from God) and if we just had enough faith, we would be okay or that the virus and all its effects; physical, practical and economic would be straightened out and we would go back to the way things were.   These are my thoughts and by sharing them, I am hoping to open the conversation, rather than cause distress. So many have referred to a “new normal” toward which we are headed.   Social media is peppered with spiritually uplifting memes meant to remind the reader that underneath all the fear and upset is something more solid and reliable.   For me, as a believer, that something is God.   I believe in a God who created the universe and all its inhabitants out of a deep love and a desire to be in relationship.   I believe in a God who loves the world so very much that God became one like us in every way except sin. This is a God wh...

A friend of mine recently shared a poem by Mary Oliver called “Sometimes.”   Here is a quote I find particularly meaningful at this time:               Instructions for living a life. Pay Attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. How are you today?   Are you “living a life,” just marking time or somewhere in-between?   I suspect if we are honest, we are somewhere in the in-between.   Life as we knew it stopped somewhere in the month of March of this year and we have been actively trying to figure out what comes next day to day, moment by moment, ever since.   Living with the reality of COVID-19 has all the earmarks of living through a time of great upheaval and loss.   If you are anything like me, these days have had buoyant highs during which we rejoice in the many ways people are looking out for one another and trying their best to stay safe and healthy while at the same time grow...

Last week was kind of a “slow starter” sort of week. Not every day, or every part of every day, but as I look back on the week, that certainly characterizes the week.   What do I mean?   Well, most mornings it was hard to get up and start the day.   I did not feel unwell, but I did not feel “right” either.   My early morning prayer time seemed more like a time of trying to quiet the noise in my head than a time of listening for the presence of God.   Sitting down to whatever tasks of the day seemed like navigating through a sea of molasses.   And there were some “tasks” that did not get done – like the writing of these reflections. So here I am, at the start of a new week with some new energy and renewed direction.   This time of “stay at home” orders and living daily with the reality of COVID-19 is unlike any we have ever experienced. For many of us, our usual coping mechanisms aren’t quite up to the task.   And the stressors are new and ...

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 the...

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 t...

  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...