Category: coronavirus

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Who Will Weep With Me?

Yesterday, my diocese joined many others in suspending the celebration of all public Masses for an indefinite time.  I was asked if I could write something instructive, encouraging and hope-filled for the next issue of Harvest, our diocesan magazine.

Hope-filled?  Yes, there is reason to hope.  As the Scriptures assure us, hope does not disappoint.  The favors of the Lord are not spent.  His mercies are not exhausted.  They are renewed each morning.

However, before we can speak a true word of hope, we must speak true words that acknowledge fully our plight.  We must express our pain and sorrow.  Otherwise, our words of hope will seem unreal, naïve, and escapist.  It is in this spirit that I offer the following. Continue reading “Who Will Weep With Me?”

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Moving Forward with COVID-19

This morning, I sense the need and the desire to return to the topic of coronavirus once more.

Why?

Well, for one thing, I have written two posts on this already.  Like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, I feel an urge to make this a trilogy!

Secondly, the situation is rapidly evolving. Some of my comments over the weekend are already outdated.  Many cities and states and countries are severely restricting or closing down restaurants, bars, and other businesses that deal with significant numbers of people daily.

Thirdly, I have had many responses from people, both online and in person, to my weekend posts that have given me the opportunity for further reflection on all that is happening. Continue reading “Moving Forward with COVID-19”

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COVID-19 and Sunday Mass

I find that I must write a follow-up to yesterday’s post.

Yesterday – Friday the 13th, no less – I learned that several dioceses, including the Archdiocese of Boston, have decided to cancel all Sunday Masses for the time being in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

I have been sitting with this news since yesterday and pondering it.  What does this mean? How am I reacting to it? As an autistic person, it can take some time to sort out my thoughts and feelings over anything.  The more I stay with it, however, the more I see that there is one word, and only one word, that is fitting to express my response to this.

I am scandalized. Continue reading “COVID-19 and Sunday Mass”

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Coronavirus and Faith

A Catholic Response to COVID-19

For the last several weeks, we have been watching the coronavirus epidemic unfold, from its beginnings in China barely two months ago to the first confirmed case in Maine this week.  The World Health Organization has formally pronounced the coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic – meaning that it has spread worldwide.  Several aspects of the coronavirus outbreak create or heighten anxieties and fears.  For one thing, this is a new strain, and medical professionals are still learning about it.  For another, we have seen media reports of its effects and the responses various countries have made to it.  We have seen people of all walks of life affected by it.  Many activities that we take for granted have been delayed or cancelled because of it.  Our economy is affected by it. Continue reading “Coronavirus and Faith”