I’m not surprised there’s so much arguing about proper Covid protocols. (Why do we wear masks? Why no large family reunions? 25% capacity for church services! Why am I encouraged to stay home? “Outrageous”, some say.)
It’s because we’ve never faced a pandemic before. This is the first time for all of us. It’s going to take some time for all this to sink in. (In fact . . . there are some who still think the Covid is a hoax). This resistance is all so human. To stop a way of living, and all the daily habits we take for granted takes time. The changes are huge. Remember how long it takes to turn an aircraft carrier around? Two miles of open ocean! (I’m still forgetting my mask at times and it’s been months!)
Certainly by now you’ve made your own decisions about how you and your family will conduct yourselves with the recommended restrictions. Feelings can range from anger to compliance – – I get it. But bottom line, we have to make a decision whether we do this together or we go it alone. I’d like to suggest we do it together. Here’s why.
- I’m not smart enough to figure this out by myself. Sooner or later we have to trust someone who knows more than we do about what we’re facing. Medical science certainly does not know everything. Some directives they provide may not be the perfect answer. But I believe God has given us this knowledge as part of His solution to guide us through the virus. (And heaven knows Fr. Tim will wait patiently in line to get his vaccine shot when it arrives.
- We’re all in the same boat. We all have the same worries and concerns for ourselves and our families.
- If certain protocols make it safer (even a little bit) for you and me, I’m going to do it. In fact, as uncomfortable as it can be, “I’m glad to do my part”.
- Something quite nice happened recently. I was in a pharmacy the other day, surrounded by total strangers and we’re all wearing masks. I felt a certain comfort in knowing that I was not alone. We were all carrying the same burden. We were all showing that we care. I liked that.
- Remember Ash Wednesday? We all walk around with ashes on our foreheads. All through the town people wear a sign of what they believe – – we belong to Christ. Well this is like Ash Wednesday for the whole world! Join us!
- Some day this will pass us by. What will we look back on? “I stood my ground against an unjust curtailment of my rights.” Or, “I tried to help in whatever small ways I could.”
- We’ve never done this before. There’s no script for “How to Handle a Pandemic”. There will be mistakes made. Can’t we give a little slack to those who are trying to lead us through these days?
Bishop Matano, along with the bishops of New York State, will guide us in the days leading up to the Christmas Holyday. They will of course be following NYS guidelines for worship services. Be assured Holy Trinity will keep you informed about our masses and numbers permitted.
In the meantime . . . the quiet, slower pace of life we now experience is a perfect way to prepare our hearts during the beautiful season of Advent.
Don’t be afraid. The Lord is with us.
Fr. Tim
