M arch 12, 2020
 
Jambo-
 
This is so scary for all of us. Balancing your faith with health, what hard  choices we are to make.  And today the Governor extending our school closure through April 24th, 2020. So much for all of us.

T he archbishop himself said in his letter to the priests last night, that it was a hard decision to make, but he had to do it for the common good: And I quote; " The best science at our disposal tells us that this COVID-19 Virus is an epidemic. In fact, today (after my announcement) WHO declared the virus as a PANDEMIC. Thus, there is no stopping the spread. All we can do is slow down the spread of this deadly virus, and hope and pray that our health system can handle the flow of people who become infected. My decision is not only for the public welfare, but is also a preemptive move to help protect more and more of our people, especially the elderly and those with underlying health issues..."
 
I am grateful to Archbishop Etienne for  taking leadership in this as the  Chief Shepherd and Pastor of God's flock in the archdiocese of Seattle and making such a hard call from an abundance of love and care for his flock. St. Paul says in his letter first letter to the Corinthians that "Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 6.19) and therefore we have to do everything humanly possible to take care of our health(bodies). Again in 3 John 1.2, we read that God wants us to "enjoy good health.."
 
Personally, my soul is nourished in a very powerful and special way, not only by the presence of Jesus in the celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments, BUT also by his unique presence in each of you as we gather together as a family around the table of the Lord every weekend, and during daily masses .   This, I will surely miss.    The Archbishop's plan allows us all to come back together later, as a healthy community, because of our sacrifice. And for this I am truly grateful.
 
This makes me really think of the loss Jesus must have felt, as people fell away from him on his lenten journey to the cross.  Would I have fallen away? Or would I see the gift that he is to me/ to us?  Can I remain his servant when I see no one?   My answer is YES, and always!  He never leaves us and when we need him most, he will carry us through the storm.  If you find that you are feeling alone, have a conversation with Jesus, he is a very good listener. He loves and cares for us all, if you may not hear or feel him close . - there maybe someone who needs him more urgently at that time.  But  it doesn't necessarily mean that he is far from  you .
 
Let's continue to be our brother's/sister's keepers above all, by praying for each other, but also by "keeping an eye" on our home bound family members, and those we may not have heard from in past recent days. I will continue to remember you and pray for you during my private daily prayers.
 
The Archdiocese has put together the attached flyer as a resource for places/links to offer us comfort for Daily prayer, Stations of the Cross,
the Rosary and many others. 

Please use these resources as we find our path to do some video messaging to you. We are working on both that and how we can best serve all but in a smaller manner.  When I have more details, I will share them.
 
Asante Sana & Mungu Awabariki .
(Thank you and God be with you,)
 
Stay Safe and healthy
 
Fr. Crispin Okoth