Week 161

Positive post Sunday, March 22, 2020- Week 161. 

As we continue deeper into the Lenten season, we continue to face one of the most significant challenges we have faced in a long time, COVID-19.  With churches and schools being closed and “shelter in place” orders being invoked at the federal, state and city level, this crisis has become more real for most Americans, especially those who have lost loved ones from this epidemic.  May they rest in peace.

Keeping with my theme from last week, I’m continuing to focus on the best of humankind I have observed during this crisis, which has been the intent of my Positive Post Sundays since the beginning 161 weeks ago during Lent.  

Let me first begin my expressing my sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those in the medical field and first responders who literally are putting their lives on the line each day.  They are on the frontline and my prayers are with them and their families.

We are in unchartered waters here my friends.  As an example, today was the first Sunday in my lifetime where I was unable to receive Holy Communion.  Although I was deeply saddened by this, I was lifted up by attending the first online Mass at our church.  Michele Rendler and I attended Rev. Charles “Gino” Galley’s (Fr. Gino) Mass on YouTube with three of our grandchildren.  As always Fr. Gino delivered a powerful, motivating and meaningful sermon and reminded us that although we are practicing social distancing and the doors to the church are closed, we are never Spiritually separated.  We also recited An Act of Spiritual Communion, written for times when you can’t receive communion.  Here’s the link: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/act-of-spiritual-communion-339.

There are many other examples of creative, innovative and caring actions our fellow human beings have taken to make the best of this situation.  A few include distilleries making hand sanitizer instead of liquor, grocery stores offering time for the elderly, disabled and health care workers to shop alone and teachers reaching out to support students online.  

This afternoon while walking in my neighborhood, I came across a home where the owners had the display in the photo below offering school and learning supplies free to families in need.  With acts of kindness and innovations like these, together we will navigate through these challenging times and emerge stronger.

How are you making the best of these challenging times?  Share your ideas.