Dear friends,
“These are the times that try men’s [and women’s!] souls …”
Although written under very different circumstances, this sentiment seems appropriate to the times we are in. The circumstances surrounding COVID-19 demand prudence, but we must never give in to fear. Recall the words of Jesus: “Fear is useless, what is needed is trust.” (Mk 5:36 NAB)
It seems like this is a perfect time to realize that so much of what typically would distract us in the past is no longer present: no March madness, no sports of any kind on TV, Broadway has been closed down, restaurants are closing early etc. In addition, many schools are closed, and the workplace has been turned upside down.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for us to quiet our spirits and allow the Lord to speak to us and guide us! We still have a few weeks of Lent remaining, let us allow the Lord to make them the best weeks of Lent we have ever lived. (I’m grateful to Marty Buganski, the senior coordinator of the People of Hope Catholic Community for these thoughts. They capture well what was already in my heart.)
While many of us are now limited in getting around, and with the suspension of Sunday Mass throughout the Archdiocese,
we are including various resources
that you may find helpful to enlist to make this the best Lent ever.
Please know that we in the Office for Evangelization keep all of you in our prayers.
Peace,
Fr. John Gordon
Acting Vicar, Vicariate for Pastoral Life
Coordinator, Office for Evangelization
