Darkness and Light

My dear friends in Christ,

We get a glimpse into the ways of God and the contrast between darkness and light. This sets the stage for today’s Gospel. Rather than rejoicing that the blind man has been given the gift of sight, he is accused of sin as if he was to blame for his blindness. Many in Jesus’ time considered blindness to be God’s curse. A blind man was a “nobody” since he was unable to work to provide for a spouse and family, and he lived as a beggar on the streets. For Jesus to give this man sight is akin to a rebirth into society. He gives him new hope and a better life. The Lord offers the same to all who believe.

Regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, some questions have been coming in and Bishop O’Connell offers the following: “the parameters for any activities which have been given to us are: 1. avoid crowds of 50 or more (the CDC said “10” so the target number may eventually be reduced from 50 as the number; 2. keep a distance of 3-6 feet away from the next person. The more contact, the greater risk of spreading COVID:19.”

He goes on to say that although temporary, we are living in hard times. For some people there is fear and panic, stress and anxiety, even denial. We must remain patient and cautious. There are so many questions that still need to be answered. The main thing is to remain calm.

Here on the parish level, we will be affected financially and it is my hope we will rebound once we get back to some normalcy. Contributions can be mailed in or you can sign up for electronic on-line giving on our website. Stay safe and be well!

May God bless you all,

Father John