Dear Parishioners,
Yesterday, we reopened with two morning Masses in addition to our Virtual Mass with a ‘Drive-thru’ Communion Reception Line. This past week we reopened to weekday morning Mass. We hope our precautions will keep us all safe from further spread of COVID-19. Please be reminded that a reservation is required to attend in-person Masses.
We will continue this reopening and make adjustments and re-evaluate by the end of June as we move into July. We continue the journey under unplanned circumstances that offer us an opportunity to grow in a different and perhaps more profound way in love of the Lord Jesus.
There is a sentence in today’s scriptures: “Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.” Upon reading the scriptures for today one might come to the conclusion that Christians are to become “doormats” for the rest of society. This is not true. There is always freedom in being a person who forgives and is willing to accept the imperfections of others.
It was permissible for a soldier to press a person into service for one mile; however, if the person went two miles that would land the soldier in trouble. In the former Rite of Confirmation, the candidate was “tapped” (or slapped, depending upon the bishop) on the cheek while he said, “Peace be with you.” The custom comes from “Knightly” tradition. When you are Confirmed, you are made a “Solider in Christ” so you must be ready for the dangers in life’s journey.
In a spiritual sense, the grace of Confirmation strengthens you for the spiritual battles of your lifetime. The notion draws to mind that “turning the other cheek” does NOT mean passivity; rather, the fact that you are NOT giving up in the face of trials.
Perhaps this is something we may all remember in the weeks ahead.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
