Never in my lifetime - yours - did we ever think the Catholic Church would cancel Holy Masses - especially on the weekend - a staple for all involved. When I read that Italy was closing everything - except pharmacies - grocery stores - during this pandemic - I never thought that would happen in America. In large cities on the east coast - in the midwest - churches closed - this weekend. In the Chicago area - hundreds of churches closed. It is understandable - wise - difficult - decision by the bishops - seeking to help stem the spread of the Coronavirus COVID19. Better to miss church services - than irresponsibly - assist in the early death of parishioners - neighbors - friends - family.
As Christians - we claim to be people of Faith - people who trust in God - people who believe Jesus' words - that He came that we might have Life - live it to the fullest. Missing a church service - will not kill us - figuratively - literally. God is much larger than that - He commands us to Love Him - Worship Him - Serve Him - never said it had to be in a church building - never said it had to be in a crowd - never said that we had to put our own health at risk - to Honor Him. As committed Catholics - Christians - the Temple where we first worship Him - in our Hearts - Minds. If we can't - don't worship Him - in the Temples of our Bodies - then all other worship - meaningless. Jesus told us to Worship - with our whole - Mind - Heart - Soul - in the Temple that we call our body. First and foremost - worship - begins at Home - in our bodies. Worship continued in community - in buildings - churches - secondary. Gathering each weekend - Sunday - as the Body of Christ - a reminder to all of us - we are not alone - we - as disciples of Christ - a visible witness to Him - the Author of Life. Even when not in the parish church - our visible witness remains. For those without a church this weekend - there are many services televised - live streamed via computers - phones - tablets. You will miss Holy Eucharist - something that many take for granted - for those who really understand - a very special sacrifice - this Lent.
Deacon Dale
As Christians - we claim to be people of Faith - people who trust in God - people who believe Jesus' words - that He came that we might have Life - live it to the fullest. Missing a church service - will not kill us - figuratively - literally. God is much larger than that - He commands us to Love Him - Worship Him - Serve Him - never said it had to be in a church building - never said it had to be in a crowd - never said that we had to put our own health at risk - to Honor Him. As committed Catholics - Christians - the Temple where we first worship Him - in our Hearts - Minds. If we can't - don't worship Him - in the Temples of our Bodies - then all other worship - meaningless. Jesus told us to Worship - with our whole - Mind - Heart - Soul - in the Temple that we call our body. First and foremost - worship - begins at Home - in our bodies. Worship continued in community - in buildings - churches - secondary. Gathering each weekend - Sunday - as the Body of Christ - a reminder to all of us - we are not alone - we - as disciples of Christ - a visible witness to Him - the Author of Life. Even when not in the parish church - our visible witness remains. For those without a church this weekend - there are many services televised - live streamed via computers - phones - tablets. You will miss Holy Eucharist - something that many take for granted - for those who really understand - a very special sacrifice - this Lent.
Deacon Dale
