"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." (Jn. 4:10)
So many thoughts have gone through our heads in these last few days, but let us not forget our Lord is among the many worries that have arisen. He has many gifts to give us.
These are certainly testing times for all of us as we adjust to the circumstances being thrown our way. We are all in this together, and I would like to encourage you to see the blessings in this moment when we might be tempted only to see the burdens.
As circumstances force us to change our routines, we find ourselves with more time on our hands to consume media and to speak with others over the phone or on video chat. These digital connections can help chase away the loneliness that many may experience and can also help us enter into healthy and uplifting conversations with friends and loved ones. This human aspect is so important to us as social beings. We need this contact.
You have likely seen the
official statement
that the diocese has issued cancelling Masses from today through April 5, 2020. Even our spiritual routines are being limited by these real health concerns. So, if we cannot go to Mass and cannot gather together in Churches, does this mean we cannot grow spiritually? Of course not.
I feel that it is my duty to share with you some excellent ways that members of our CWA community, members of Regnum Christi, and the diocese of Calgary have already shared with me to live these days. May of these initiatives continue to grow and be shared among us. I’ll warn you, there are many opportunities on this list, so I recommend choosing one and sticking with it. Build a new routine that works for you during this time of fluidity.
Here are some resources to help you live this Lenten season under these unusual circumstances:
Spiritual Communion
:
In moments when Catholics cannot receive Holy Communion, they are encouraged to make a Spiritual Communion, uniting themselves to Christ in a deep and personal way. The following is a sample offered by the diocese for this purpose:
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Adoration
:
Make a visit to our Lord in an Adoration Chapel in Calgary (look up where there is a chapel near you).
Remember that seating will be limited and spacing is necessary.
Watch Mass Online
:
Weekdays
:
St. Peter's in Calgary is live-streaming at 8:30 a.m. MST
Sunday: St. Mary's Cathedral is live-streaming. The link will be provided by the
Diocese of Calgary
(Bishop McGrattan will be the celebrant)
Additionally:
Reflections On What To Do With This Time
:
Family Prayers
:
Why not start your own family traditions of praying together during this time? Consider the following:
Other Resources
:
Hopefully these ideas inspire you to embrace this moment that God in his Providence has allowed. Count on my prayers for each one of you and for all those affected by the Coronavirus. May God show forth his goodness in this time of distress.
