Today the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 is officially a pandemic.
As of this writing, it appears there is one critical case in the metropolitan area. I know nothing about how many people have been exposed. So far, I'm not especially concerned - except for my friend, whose health is not the best. The early stages of dementia related to Parkinson's? I'm not sure how to define the diagnosis. We did his taxes yesterday, but I will bring them in to his tax guy to do the rest. I don't want him going out, if it's not necessary.
I think the threat posed by the pandemic alleviates the Catholic controversies which have marred our days. There is nothing like the 'plague' to prioritize one's spiritual life.
Confession.
I went to confession this past weekend, and I hope to do so more frequently. It's amazing how personal opinions and the desire to express them, dwindled afterwards. I'm not sure how to express that - but a certain freedom of spirit was restored.
Go to confession - it casts out fear.
So - writing the blog in the time of pandemic should be interesting. Let's pray for one another.
I do not know why but I searched out Seventh Seal Bergman’s famous exploration of God & Death. This was before Max Von Sydow’s death. I thought it a deep serious reflection on many things especially “ why is God silent” in the face of suffering? Prayers for us all in these difficult times.
ReplyDeleteIf you and your friend are in most of the time it should be fine. A lot of things are being canceled.
ReplyDeleteIn 1918 the churches in Minneapolis closed for 2 weeks because of the Spanish Flu. After that, my church began work on the building we use now. We're concerned because the church secretary's 20 something granddaughter has the flu and lives with her; the issue is if Fr is under quarantine, everything stops.
If that happens, we start with Resurrection Matins on the first Sunday back.
Terry, your friend is fortunate that you are caring for him. Keep up the good work, dear soul.
ReplyDeleteI have spent some time the last week or so defending the role of EMHCs on FB (and, once again, the dignity of the Mass in the vernacular versus the TLM, neither of which is "holier" than the other).
I am an EMHC at my parish, and also serve at a local hospital. It is rather discouraging. Many Catholics seem to be using this moment to push for putting an end to EMHC service, as well as to push for receiving on the tongue (which, of course, is valid, just as receiving in the hand is, although my Diocese and others have urged Communicants to receive in the hand for sanitary reasons for the duration - which I believe is reasonable and sensible, as is the request for no personal contact during the sign of peace.)
I and most of my fellow EMHCs are not in this to show off or to change the Church. We are doing what we do to serve our pastors, and at his discretion, and to serve the Church. If I was told today I am no longer needed, I would cheerfully obey, but until that time, I will continue to do as my good pastor asks. I was just told yesterday that, since the CV seems to be spreading here in OH, that our services at the hospital are suspended until at least after Easter. Which is sad, since so many patients seem to value our visits and the opportunity to receive our good Jesus every day. The hospital may give excellent physical care, but when anyone is ill or down, it is very important to have access to Jesus. Our Diocese (Cleveland) has also asked our pastors to suspend offering the Precious Blood during Mass.
I think we Catholics need to step back, take a deep breath (while once again washing our hands!), and put things in perspective. This illness is a very serious, life-threatening issue. We cannot use it to put our personal preferences for Church practices forward - we need to obey our pastors and bishops and put their instructions, which are reasonable and sensible during this pandemic - and save the arguing and insults for another day.
Again, Terry, your care of your friend is indeed an Act of Mercy, especially in these days of fear and separation from others over real and imagined health fears. We cannot become so isolated that we lose touch with others, and I think God wants us to continue to minister to one another - carefully.
God bless and protect you, dear Terry, and all here - Susan
Thank you for following this and keeping us informed of the material and spiritual variables.
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