Who would have thought we would be in the situation that we find ourselves in? A virus spread around the world, countries in lock down or stay at home order, businesses closed. And to top it all off Masses are not open to the public. Its times like this that we need Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist the most. I understand why we cannot come to Mass right now, but as a priest and pastor of souls it causes me great sadness. It is sad to not have my parish family with me at a time when the Mass and the Eucharist can bring such strength and consolation.

A scripture verse has come to my mind often, which has helped to guide me. Its from the opening line of the fortieth chapter in the Book of Isaiah, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” I know many are hurting because of their distance from Mass right now. I have done what I can to bring as much comfort as possible through streaming the Mass on Facebook and other devotions that I think are helpful. Technology has allowed us to stay connected with one another. We are operating a digital monastery as I call. The wonders of the internet allows us to gather together, centered around Jesus Christ through prayer and the sacraments. 

These times are very crazy and bizarre. We naturally try to reason why all of this is happening. I don’t know the answer to that. I’m sure that there are a few spiritual diagnoses to what is happening. But I do know this, that God has preordained all of us to be here at this exact moment in human history. We were meant to be here right now. This is cause for rejoicing here I think, rejoicing in the Lord and His will. One can respond to this with despair, or one can respond in hope. Knowing that He wanted us to be here in this challenging time can lead to joy, if we rise up. 

I am a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings. There’s a great line very applicable right now that goes, “All we have to decide is what to do with time that is given to us.” This is helpful no matter what is going on, but especially during tough and trying moments. This how the knowledge that God wanted us to be here can bring joy amidst uncertainty and doubt. Its our response, or mind set, to challenges that affects our disposition.

Challenges can be adventurous or laborious. It is all depends on how we approach them. On this point G.K. Chesterton says it best, “An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered; an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered.” There are inconveniences right now definitely. I do not mean to lesson the seriousness of the suffering and death that the virus has caused, to be sure. Let us take care to receive these inconveniences rightly by seizing the moment as an adventure. Adventures can bring some fear and doubt. They also bring joy, courage, and transformation. 

The life of a Christian can be lived out as an adventure movie, with unexpected twists and turns. The heroes that we all love respond rightly when the trial arrives. Jesus Christ is the true hero because His story is true. He rose to the occasion when He rose from the dead, ushering in the great Christian adventure. Let us rise and embark on this adventure head on. We may just save our soul.