Today was indeed strange, surreal certainly different. As a Catholic I don't miss Mass and that is certainly true as one of the Deacons of the Church. For me personally, today was not the day to even go out and assist at one of the private masses. However, I did indeed take in the Mass via social media. I probably viewed 4 masses and parts of others. My parish, St. Jane de Chantal in Abita Springs, offered the Mass in the Extraordinary Form, according to the 1962 missal. This is often referred to as the Latin Mass. Then I viewed masses in the Ordinary Form, the normative Mass of the Church, from EWTN, St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell and Sts. Peter and Paul in Pearl River.
I do believe that one of the "good" things to come from this crisis is the obvious desire and hunger from the faithful for the Mass, for the Eucharist, the longing to draw closer to God. And at the same time the efforts by so many parishes, Priests and Deacons to bring these liturgies and devotion to us is a blessing. All of this should give us great hope in a dark and difficult time.
In Louisiana just today our Governor, John Bel Edwards, has declared a stay at home order. Basically, no one should venture out with minor exceptions like picking up groceries or prescriptions. Another exception is you many go to the bank, and as a professional banker, I will be present all week as I was the week before. However, the bank I work for will go to a drive-up only model with limited face-to-face appointments; key word: limited. The good news is that all the banks in our area are strong and have cash for your needs. Please know that there is no need to hoard cash just like there is no need to hoard groceries and supplies.
Among the many things you can do, around chasing the kids or working from home, to help us in these times might be reading from Scripture everyday or at least part of the week. Pope Francis asked us to read all of the 9th chapter of the Gospel of St. John. I like to encourage the idea of reading and praying a Psalm everyday with the 51st Psalm prayed on Friday. Offer a Rosary, pray Stations of the Cross and stay connected with your local parish if they are providing helps on social media.
Stay in touch with family and friends via phone or electronically in the weeks ahead, make sure all are well and if necessary help one another. If you get sick, please follow local/state guidelines. Don't just jump in the car and drive to your local urgent care or ER unless this would be absolutely necessary.
Let me address one other point. Staying connected on social media does expose us to a number of politically motivated posts. These posts want to pin blame, promote one's own "tribe" while tearing down traditional opposition. Really. Is this necessary? Will it change one thing or cure one patient? Nope. Are we not primarily interested in getting through this together. If all you can do during this time is run to Facebook to tell me what you "think" about politics, do me a favor: DONT!
Let's also not forget to support local businesses still open but struggling, especially the one's offering delivery and take out service. If you have to go to the store please practice social distancing. And finally, even though your Sunday is now spent at home, don't forget your tithes and offerings for your local parish. The expenses don't stop. You always give in the church when the basket comes by. Now may be the time to mail in a check or explore online giving.
That's it for now; stay calm, stay strong, find peace, pray and pray some more then wash your hands and disinfect.
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