It might seem counter-intuitive: at a time when Christians instinctively turn to God, church services and other religious gatherings are suspended. But even this can be an opportunity for grace.
For us Catholics, not being able to receive the Eucharist can increase our hunger for the Lord; enforced absence from Mass can draw us to a deeper appreciation for what is actually happening in that sacred encounter. For all women and men of good faith - no matter their religion or denomination - this can be a time for us to realize just how much we depend on the goodwill, the affection, the spiritual support, and the concrete good works we normally experience in each other (even if we don’t appreciate them at the time).
These things we know: God is good. God hears every prayer we make in earnest, whether we are by ourselves or with others, in our homes or in our places of worship.
God is worthy of our trust. And God will give us the graces and blessings we need to survive this pandemic.
Rev. Joseph MPR Cocucci
KHS pastor, St. John Neumann Church
Berlin, Md.
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