Dear Parishioners, Visitors and Friends,
Last Thursday afternoon, three days ago, I was called to bless the body of Ruth Tavares, a long-time parishioner and faithful lector of our parish community. She died peacefully that afternoon at the age of 94, surrounded by her loved ones.
When news of death comes, and more so with the exploding number of confirmed cases in the United States and rising number of fatalities around the globe, the deadly coronavirus strikes a certain amount of fear in us. And at some level, it terrifies us.
Today, we celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Next Sunday, we enter the most Holy Week of the liturgical year, beginning with the Lord’s Passion.
As a preview of his approaching death, the Lord promises us in today’s Gospel that even when death overcomes our lives we can come to life once again. He declares those incredible words:
“I am the resurrection – whoever believes in me will never die.”
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ:
Our world today is so inflicted by the COVID-19. We’ve heard news reports.
“Italy recorded 919 new coronavirus deaths, its highest daily figure in the outbreak so far.” “Spain death toll overtook China.” “The U.S. had about 1,300 deaths, about 400 of them in New York.”
Although there still is that element of death which causes many anxiety and uncertainty, those feelings need not get the best of us.
In the face of death, we, as followers of the Lord, are able to hold out hope, that nothing, not even death can destroy us.
“I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” Jesus tells us.
Indeed, death has been conquered. “The end” is not the end at all, but rather it is the last step in the journey of our God calling all of us to himself. This is the overarching truth that grounds our faith, and this holy season in particular.
By holding out our hope in these challenging days, by staying close to Jesus and living for one another, we will be forever with God. I can think of no better blessing.
I would like to conclude this week’s reflection with a beautiful message from the Holy Father Pope Francis:
He says, “Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.
Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is ... Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”
Let us all remember then that every changing color of a leaf is beautiful and every changing situation of life is meaningful, both need very clear vision.
So do not grumble or complain, let us instead remember that Pain is a sign that we are alive, Problems are a sign that we are strong and Prayer is a sign we are not alone!!
If we can acknowledge these truths and condition our hearts and minds, our lives will be more meaningful, different and worthwhile!!”
Let’s be sure to lift up our prayers from homes each day for those who are truly struggling with life in the here-and-now and hanging on to a hope of the new life to come.
May we always show them how much we love and care for them, and help them to realize just how much God loves and cares for them too - recognizing that even in our day-to-day lives with anxieties, uncertainties and fears of the unknown, death has power over us no more. Amen.
Prayerfully Yours in Christ,
fr. khanh