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 Pandemic and Presence 

The Catholic Health Association graphic of a woman wearing a mask (above) to demonstrate her love of her neighbors during the Covid-19 pandemic is one of the best visuals I have to symbolize what self-sacrificing love looks like right now in our world. I do not know one person who enjoys wearing a mask, especially here in Florida with our heat and humidity. 

Another way to demonstrate self-sacrificing love now is staying home and avoiding risky behaviors such as optional traveling and being in crowded groups of people where others may not be wearing masks and social distancing is difficult. 

As Sisters of St. Joseph who have been seized by God's love, we work in collaboration with others to bring union and reconciliation to our world "that  all may be one." (John 17;21) Looking back at all the tragic events of 2020 and even recently in our own country, the need for this mission and charism of healing and reconciliation and unity is greater than ever. 

In Ordinary Time in our liturgical year, there are many Gospel stories of Jesus healing people of their sicknesses and infirmities. Jesus usually asks the sick or infirm person what they want from him. If Jesus appeared before you today, what would you ask of him? 

If an alien from another planet visited earth today and observed our behaviors, it might wonder why we spend so much time focused on our smart phones or watches or other electronic devices instead of paying attention to and listening to other people. Have social media or e-mails or texts in our information age become more important than being present to our family and friends and coworkers? I remember once observing a young family in a restaurant (pre-pandemic), and mother and father and young daughter were all absorbed in their electronic devices instead of talking to each other. 

As Christians we are called to be a healing presence to others. Here is a quote from Fred Cavaiani in an article called "Healing Through Loving Presence" from the Fall 2020 issue of Human Development magazine. 

"We can help people experience healing by sending positive energy toward them. Have you ever been with a group of people who humbly empathize and listen to each another? Remember the last time you were with a person who simply and humbly listened to you with warmth and acceptance? The feeling you experienced was the positive energy of love."

How do we nurture being this healing presence to others? Later in the same article the author writes the following: 

"The sacred presence of God latent within each of us becomes dynamic and active as we pray. Meditation and contemplation on the mystery of Divine Love is so powerful that it changes our timid hearts and allows us to be radiant with peace and joy. At the same time we also become all the more receptive to this energy coming toward us in all of creation and in every person of good will."

During the next several months as we await the administration of vaccines for Covid-19 and limit our activities due to the pandemic, perhaps taking more time to pray, becoming more aware of the quality of our presence to the dear neighbor, and wearing a mask when outside of our "bubble" might be good ways to start off the New Year. May St. Joseph protect us. 
 
Sister Diane Couture's Pandemic Stained-Glass Window 
















 

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