Long before the pandemic, church attendance among all American denominations was falling. The Catholic bishops of the United States want to use the end of the pandemic as an opportunity to revive faith in the Blessed Sacrament. They want Catholics to ignore the social media Mass -- which will remain available for the homebound -- and come back to the brick and mortar churches with their wooden pews and enfleshed people.
Many are already returning and are delighted to be back. They missed the touch and smell and immediate presence of one another. We need to touch each other. The panic of the pandemic deprived us of that. Epidemics have often afflicted our cities and churches throughout human history. Quarantine has been the only proven method for dealing with them. In 2020, we had no choice but to enforce the quarantine. But it cost a lot. If hearing God's word is a great delight and gathering to pray is an extraordinary privilege, being deprived of both feels like God's wrath.
We have been reminded that receiving the Body and the Blood of Christ are extraordinary blessings. God wants to give the Sacrament to his people; we act wisely when we accept it. Many, of course, have regarded the Eucharist as a reward for good behavior, which it is not. Others assume they are entitled to receive it for showing interest in religion. The Gospels teach us the right attitude.
The Lord Jesus comes to us from the Father. He is as eager to be touched by us as we are eager to crowd around him. His presence is powerful medicine. His body and blood are healing remedies.
When the Lord said, "Take and eat! This is my body." and "Take and drink! This is my blood." he wasn't talking about virtual connections through social media. When the crowds flocked to Jesus they were not content to see him at a distance; "they sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all."
It is time for citizens of this "home of the brave" to act bravely and come together. There are still dangers from many other plagues, especially guns, but we must see his face, feel his touch, and smell his presence. We must finally be healed.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.