Friends,

 

As each of us discern how to live out our faith during these strange and isolating times, we face an ever-changing landscape of limitations.  Many of us are unable to attend Mass or gather for any corporate prayer. 

 

Some are able to observe worship via the internet, from their local parish or other churches, while others are urged to pray the Daily Office or Family Prayer from the BCP or Spiritual Communion from the St. Augustine’s Prayer Book or another source (remember that the Daily Office is Corporate Worship even when done while alone).

 

Whatever we do, I encourage us to do so both to the glory of God and also as intercession for others, especially those ill with the virus. 

 

Many of us will recall learning about the “Sacrament of the Present Moment”, the awareness that each moment in time connects with the eternal, and is indeed the only “time” in which we encounter God.  While we are mostly isolated in our homes, this can be a good season for us to “practice the Presence of God” by way of intention.  Whether we are doing housework, working remotely, exercising, reading, watching TV, listening to music, we can consecrate these activities by offering them to God’s glory, sharing each with Him. 

 

We can pray that our wholesome activities may allow for others to be blessed, as what happens to one member of the Body affects all.  Also, we can be praying for our Lord to show us when and how to reach out to others.  While we cannot be with them physically, we can take the opportunities at our disposal to connect with others, especially those we know who are isolated.

 

No moment separates us from God, and we can respond to the challenges brought about by the coronavirus in ways which both honor our Lord and serve to  benefit others in his name.   

 

Blessings,  Fr. Lawrence Bausch

                  President, FIFNA