One of the virtues we saw demonstrated in our pandemic pilgrimage has been courage. Courage, corage from the old French and rooted in the Latin cor for “heart,” is a virtue often cultivated in unseen ways by actions that benefit others in situations of adversity or trial. It is not bravado, nor is it the stuff of sweeping gestures or dramatic actions. Courage is a quality of the heart that places the wellbeing of others first in the pursuit of doing what is right, good and true. Courage was the virtue that the Cowardly Lion sought when he joined Dorothy and her troupe on the way to see the Wizard of Oz. Despite his lack of self-confidence, the lion demonstrated courage repeatedly in both the movie and book versions, long before he saw the Wizard. It is his concern and love for others that overcame his fear and self-doubt and allowed the truth of his heart to emerge. Courage allows us to share the strengths and even the worries of our hearts together.

While most of us anticipated that we would be returning to “normal” as we come into the fall, in actuality, we will be defining and navigating a new normal. We are seeing Delta and other variants of the corona virus continue to wreak havoc in many communities. The possibilities for breakthrough cases being reported more frequently. Masking and distancing are returning in high breakout areas. Despite our vaccines and the desire to be rid of this pandemic life, we are still very much “in this together.” As we look to the fall and how we might navigate this part of the pandemic, we want to encourage you to be courageous for one another. Consider how we place others’ wellbeing ahead of our own, or how we might support one another with simple gestures and encouragements as we strive to keep one another safe. While we have not returned to masks as a requirement for liturgy, let’s consider how we protect one another, especially the most vulnerable and fragile and those who cannot be vaccinated. While we may well want to “get back to normal” the well-being of our community members and those most at risk comes first. The Book of Ecclesiastes tell us: “There is an appointed time for everything,” Ecc 3:1. Perhaps this is our appointed time for thoughtful courage, to continue our quiet yet sincere care for one another. 

Do you know someone in need of a small grant or short-term financial assistance to help them through a financial gap or assist with a medical bill, child, or adult care, with utilities or rent? If so, Fr. Michael Callaghan, co. is an Almoner with the Havens Relief Society and may be able to assist persons in need with a onetime financial grant. If you know of someone, please have them contact Fr. Michael to make a time to discuss: mcallaghan@oratorychurch.org. Assistance is limited to people living in one of the five boroughs of NYC and cannot be ongoing but one time.

In its ninth year, the Oratory Young Men’s Group (newly rebranded as OMG) allows young men (21-35) in the Oratory parishes and beyond to connect for prayer, service, and social activities. If interested in learning more, contact Fr Anthony andreassi.anthony@gmail.com.