Like most Catholics, I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Mass being suspended across the US and in many other parts of the world. In a time that is already crazy, stressful, and upsetting, the idea of not being able to receive the Eucharist for an indefinite amount of time is alarming and may even leave one feeling as if God has taken a step back since we cannot go to be in his physical presence.
And yet, despite the insanity, parishes across the country are doing whatever they can to continue to help the spiritual health of their domestic churches. One common thing has been to being live-streaming Masses in place of gathering everyone at the parish.
At first, I was deeply skeptical of this idea, as I imagine many people were.
“Surely this cannot begin to compare to a proper Mass, so why bother?”
“Yes, it’s prayer, but we’re not in the presence of Christ in the same way that we are for Mass.”
“Won’t I feel less lonely if I just pray like I normally do outside of Mass? Then I won’t be so aware of the differences happening right now..”
Then, this morning, I gathered with my family to watch a livestream of a daily Mass before we went about our business for the day. Except we weren’t just watching – we were participating with that priest and those watching the livestream, and with all Catholics around the world, just as we do any time we attend Mass at our parishes. This realization hit me like a freight train, and I felt the need to share.
Yes, times are crazy and uncertain.
Yes, the loss of easy access to the Eucharist is tragic.
Yes, we are experiencing turmoil and pain, fear and sorrow.
But at the end of the day, we are here on this earth to love and to serve. We are here to find joy in the midst of the crazy. We are offering Mass together, united as a Church, even if we are separated by six feet or more when we would usually be sitting next to one another. We have so many things to be thankful for – technology, the breath in our lungs, the hope of Heaven, and the knowledge that we can pray for and help those in need.
There is hope in Jesus Christ and in His love for us. He will take care of all that we need. All we have to do is trust in Him. There may be uncertainty in the world around you, but there is no uncertainty in Christ.
Featured image: TheSundayMass.org
