Video Transcript

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

We just had our second Sunday celebrating Mass in an empty church. Once again, it felt so unnatural, painfully so, to walk into the large empty church where we celebrate the sacrifice of Christ that conquers division; to be nearly alone in the sacred space that usually gathers into one us who are reconciled by Christ. I can speak for all my brother priests in our Diocese when I tell you that we all felt this void, this strangeness that we couldn’t celebrate the Eucharist together.

Still, what St. Paul wrote to the Romans (8:28) remains true:

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

Let us never forget these words, God makes “all things work for good.” We will make it through this pandemic. God is with us. He is our Lord and Redeemer.

As we approach Holy Week and prepare for Palm Sunday in the next few days, we will recall the Passion of Christ, His holy death which washed away our sins and opened for us the way of Salvation. On that day 2,000 years ago, the world changed; it was redeemed because Jesus did not hesitate to be delivered into the hands of the wicked and submit to the agony of the Cross. The world truly changed! What looked like defeat and failure was, in fact, the Triumph of Love, the victory of God.

So, as we see the world suffering from the consequences of the coronavirus, Christ is still giving us the opportunity to trust Him and also the duty to be His witnesses of hope. Miracles of grace are already happening. This past week, I have heard beautiful stories of self-sacrifice, generosity, and courage on the part of “ordinary people” like you and me, calmly facing the uncertainty, putting up with the inconveniences and bearing patiently with closed churches, working from home and cancelled school.

In addition, many are receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation as priests find creative ways to maintain proper social-distancing and to preserve confidentiality as they generously extend confession hours for the faithful. Our priests, too, are celebrating Mass and live streaming it with their smartphones and iPads.

Families are spending quality time together, reading and telling stories, watching good movies, praying more frequently, and finding time to eat meals together again.

Others are brought to tears by being united “online” with their parish family and sharing their deep longing for Jesus in the Eucharist.

Pastors and their staff are calling parishioners, and I am grateful that so many of you are reaching out to your neighbors to check on them!

St. Paul wrote (2 Cor 5:14), “The love of Christ impels us.” In union with Christ, His Body the Church, is not dying. We are being renewed in His mercy! Impelled by Christ’s love, let us allow Him to use this opportunity to strengthen our families, our parishes and our relationships with one another.

Recently, we learned that the guidelines for gatherings will be extended through April 30^th while additional measures have been taken to curb the spread of the virus.  Many are wondering how we can get through another month of staying at home – away from family and friends. Many are concerned for the health and safety of loved ones. And many of you are facing economic hardships, impacting your ability to provide for you and your family.

I invite you all to trust entirely in the Lord. Remember St. Paul’s words: “all things work for good for those who love God.”

Let us intentionally take these next weeks to focus on strengthening our relationships within our own homes; and let us connect with our parishes through social media, email and an old-fashioned phone call or handwritten letter!

Remember Jesus’ words during His Sermon on the Mount (Mt 6:25ff),

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink… Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life? …Your heavenly Father knows what you need. …seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”

You and I are never alone! Jesus is with us. Use this time, then, to draw closer to your parish family. Check on your priest, deacon, religious or other parishioner. Make sure the parish has your updated cell phone and email. Ask how you and your family can help other parish families from your home. If you can share financially with your parish – please give online – they need your support.

The Holy Father Pope Francis said last week, “God is calling on us to seize this time of trial as a time of choosing. It is … a time to choose between what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.”

Remember: Be Healthy – Be Smart – Be Holy.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix, Pray for Us.

Jesus, We Trust in You.  May God bless you the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.