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The Catholic Church celebrates the 57th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter. It is a special invitation to the faithful to ask our Good Shepherd to send us more priests, sisters, brothers and missionaries who will offer their lives for His service.
I had a dream last night about ventilators. In my dream, the machines were fueled by squares of brightly colored quilting cotton. These days, I am making masks — dozens and dozens of masks. I love to sew. The smell of quilting cotton under a hot iron is one of my favorites — right up there with incense and chrism. Unlike some of my quilting friends who are quietly hating the task while sewing hundreds of masks, I’m actually enjoying the process. I like to pair fabrics to make the mask pretty. I like the skills involved in pleating and topstitching. All in all, it’s not a bad way to suffer through a global pandemic.
On Good Friday, April 10 this year, the Shroud of Turin was publicly exhibited online in response to thousands of requests made to the archbishop of Turin during the coronavirus pandemic. This was an extraordinary opportunity, for the shroud is usually only revealed a few times per century. The shroud is an ancient textile bearing the mysterious image of a crucified man and is widely claimed to be the actual burial cloth of Jesus. While the church has not issued any verdict about the shroud’s authenticity, what is beyond doubt is that the shroud is not only a sign of Our Lord’s passion and death, but also of his resurrection.
Like many others, I find social distancing to be a challenge. First, “distancing” is a strong word when you have young children. One of the benefits of social distancing is more time with my children — and lots of it. We’ve had fun playing games, watching movies, sitting around bonfires, and sharing important events, including Easter, a birthday, and three visits from the tooth fairy (in four days). Sometimes I’m amazed at how little time it takes for someone to end up in tears. I am often reminded that togetherness and unity are not the same thing. I’m so grateful when my husband comes home from work; the world seems brighter when our family is together.
The social distancing and uncertainty we all face daily due to COVID-19 is an ongoing struggle, but for many there are additional wounds and heartaches to be navigated. Prior to the pandemic, when a loved one was nearing the end of their life, we had the ability to be present in their final moments. We were able to gather as friends and family to mourn their passing. We were able to support one another as we began the long process of healing. Sadly, these opportunities may no longer be options as the elderly are quarantined, hospitals restrict visitors and family are not able to attend funerals. But we must grieve in order to begin to heal. What are some ways in which we can grieve during these troubling times?
It’s certainly strange to hear those joyful words proclaimed on a livestreamed Mass viewed from a smartphone in my living room. But it is Easter, and it is a time of celebration, even when the pandemic limits our ability to celebrate in typical ways. So, what are we doing to keep hope alive during these times?
When faced with uncertainties, adversities or trials, those who place their trust in Christ will not be left alone to fend for themselves, Pope Francis said. Just as the disciples left Jerusalem after Christ's death and headed to Emmaus with only their sadness and fear, people may often find themselves discouraged when solely focused on their own hopelessness, the pope said April 27 before reciting the "Regina Coeli" prayer.
“God became man, so that man might become God.” This is a rather shocking phrase. Written by St. Athanasius in the fourth century, it succinctly captures the truth of the Christian faith. Since we celebrate this great saint’s feast May 2, I want to share a story which might help illuminate this Christian boast penned by Athanasius.
The first and only movie I have ever watched while wearing a full suit and tie was, of all things, Disney’s “Frozen 2.” Five brother seminarians and I did not have time to change after an event, so there we were, six grown men decked out in black suits, watching what was then the latest Disney release.
SAC — shepherd, abundance, cross
It is Easter, and I would like to offer you a “sac” of faith. (“Sac” is French for sack.) In this sac is a Shepherd, an Abundance of life and a Cross.