will I lose my Faith?
The Catholic bishops of the United States are worried about the long-term effects the Covid Pandemic will have on the Faith of Catholics (especially young people who are still forming their spiritual lives). Average mass attendance at Holy Trinity before the pandemic was @1,300 per weekend.
It’s been almost one year now that the centuries old obligation to attend mass on Sunday has been lifted. For four months (March to June) attendance for church worship was limited to 10 people – – (priest, lector, cantor, organist, Livestream camera person, etc.) Parishioners who had computers have watched Sunday mass at home and, of course, have been unable to receive Holy Communion.
In June regulations were lifted slightly; and with 50% capacity, keeping 6 ft. separation, in-church attendance averages 450 for the three weekend masses. Add another 500 who Livestreamed and a rough average would have about 1,000 people taking an hour to worship the Lord either in person or at home for the weekend. I’m encouraged by your faithfulness to this most important practice of our Catholic Faith.
That said, it’s important we take measures to fortify our Faith in these days when the most sacred act of worship (the Eucharist) is impossible for many to attend and is no longer required of us. Faith needs to be strengthened by living it.
How can I “keep the Faith”? Here are some suggestions.
PRAYER:
This is important. God can use these days of sheltering in place to move us to seek Him in that loving conversation we call prayer. For centuries the Church has recommended two times during the day we ought to give ourselves over to prayer: morning (before noon) and evening (sometime after sunset).
How should I pray? There are many helps to prayer. Daily prayer books (Jesus Calling is a popular one). These prayer books take us day by day through the year with thoughts and prayers suited for everyone.
Reading about HOW to pray, you might try Opening to God by Thomas Greene S.J. – – very helpful. And, of course, reading Holy Scripture is the best. (I’d begin with reading one of the gospels or a New Testament epistle).
No matter what your prayer looks like – – – do it every day. (Something happens to us when we do something every day – – it becomes part of us, it situates us with what’s most important. Ever go two days without a shower? We don’t feel right. So it is with prayer.) Take that brief moment (God’s not timing you!). Tell the Lord you love Him and to ask for His love and help. You’ll discover your own prayer. God will help you. Miss a day? Okay. Start again.
CHARITY:
Having prayed, it’s time to look around your world to see how you might make a difference for the better. Charity starts at home the saying goes. Are the people closest to you, and the relationships you have, do they need repair? How can you humble yourself to make things better? The work environment, can you be a peacemaker? Do you “seek to understand, rather than be understood? To console rather than be consoled”? Is there an opportunity to turn the other cheek? Can you light a light rather than curse the darkness? Love has lots of work to do.
TRUST:
This is the great flower that grows with Faith. God’s got this. God knows the challenges you (we) face in these Covid days. God knows you can’t get to mass like you used to. Trust Him to know how this turns out better than you do. Trust Him to bring goodness out of our darkness in ways we hadn’t imagined .
Why should I trust God? Because He took the human race and our troubles INTO Himself when He became a human being like us. He knows our troubles and He loves you like a shepherd loves his sheep. “Do not be afraid. I have overcome the world.” Jesus says. (John 16:33)
Can’t find it? Don’t feel you can trust God? Okay. Then pray . . . “Lord help me to trust in you. Help me do my part then – – – help me leave the rest to you.”
Amen.
Fr. Tim
PS. No. You will not lose your Faith!
