P
PapyrusDouay
Guest
I was originally writing this as a reply on another thread, but I thought it might be better as it’s own thing.
The truth is, not attending mass is perhaps the greatest Lenten sacrifice anyone could be asked to do. And unfortunately this is what we’re being called upon to do by our shepherds, for the good of all God’s people.
I know many people are not happy about it. Some probably even feel slighted or abandoned without regular mass with out parish communities and pastors. It’s difficult, but it’s a noble sacrifice. I have no doubt that one day we, and future generations will learn of the many saints and martyrs who sacrificed of themselves and served God and his people during this trying time. Maybe some on this forum will be among those honored
While the kinds of actions and sacrifices made by these future saints will vary widely, disobedience, recklessness, causing needless risk to the lives of others, and directly or indirectly causing preventable illness or deaths among our most frail, are NOT going to be part of their story…
Some of those who die will undoubtably be Catholics, and with resources stretched thin and the potential for rapid onset of symptoms, respiratory failure, and comas, many of them… maybe many of us… may not have the opportunity for a confession or anointing before death. this is serious.
As a community of faithful, we are called to action, even if that action is difficult or seems petty to us now…Even if that action (staying home) seems like ‘inaction‘ right now. God willing, the situation will change soon, but the Bishops worldwide have spoken, the pope has spoken, and public health experts and epidemiologists have spoken. We know what needs to be done, and disobedience or trying to find loopholes to attend mass is not the answer.
This lent is the perfect time to develop an interior prayer life. Masses are still being celebrated privately, some are broadcast on TV, and some parishes are live-streaming their masses on social media. Even without receiving the Eucharist, we can still grow closer to God. While being sad to not attend mass is good, there is no reason to feel ‘empty’ just for missing mass right now…God is still here, and by now almost every Catholic in the US has been dispensed of the obligation, as have many around the world.
We are entering the Desert, and while it’s difficult to see at the time, those who enter the desert emerge spiritually new and spiritually stronger. Feelings of spiritual despair, desolation, or emptiness may very likely be part of your desert journey, but it is a natural part of that spiritual journey, and is NOT due to merely not receiving the Eucharist. It is also natural to feel that way just given the totality of the pandemic, and after any major adjustment to our way of life. If you feel counseling may be right for you, by all means, seek it out. But pay particular attention to the Desert Fathers, Moses, and Jesus.
…continued…
The truth is, not attending mass is perhaps the greatest Lenten sacrifice anyone could be asked to do. And unfortunately this is what we’re being called upon to do by our shepherds, for the good of all God’s people.
I know many people are not happy about it. Some probably even feel slighted or abandoned without regular mass with out parish communities and pastors. It’s difficult, but it’s a noble sacrifice. I have no doubt that one day we, and future generations will learn of the many saints and martyrs who sacrificed of themselves and served God and his people during this trying time. Maybe some on this forum will be among those honored
While the kinds of actions and sacrifices made by these future saints will vary widely, disobedience, recklessness, causing needless risk to the lives of others, and directly or indirectly causing preventable illness or deaths among our most frail, are NOT going to be part of their story…
Some of those who die will undoubtably be Catholics, and with resources stretched thin and the potential for rapid onset of symptoms, respiratory failure, and comas, many of them… maybe many of us… may not have the opportunity for a confession or anointing before death. this is serious.
As a community of faithful, we are called to action, even if that action is difficult or seems petty to us now…Even if that action (staying home) seems like ‘inaction‘ right now. God willing, the situation will change soon, but the Bishops worldwide have spoken, the pope has spoken, and public health experts and epidemiologists have spoken. We know what needs to be done, and disobedience or trying to find loopholes to attend mass is not the answer.
This lent is the perfect time to develop an interior prayer life. Masses are still being celebrated privately, some are broadcast on TV, and some parishes are live-streaming their masses on social media. Even without receiving the Eucharist, we can still grow closer to God. While being sad to not attend mass is good, there is no reason to feel ‘empty’ just for missing mass right now…God is still here, and by now almost every Catholic in the US has been dispensed of the obligation, as have many around the world.
We are entering the Desert, and while it’s difficult to see at the time, those who enter the desert emerge spiritually new and spiritually stronger. Feelings of spiritual despair, desolation, or emptiness may very likely be part of your desert journey, but it is a natural part of that spiritual journey, and is NOT due to merely not receiving the Eucharist. It is also natural to feel that way just given the totality of the pandemic, and after any major adjustment to our way of life. If you feel counseling may be right for you, by all means, seek it out. But pay particular attention to the Desert Fathers, Moses, and Jesus.
…continued…
Last edited: