A Year in the Life…
It’s been a year. A year since the world shut down. A year that changed how we socialize, how we work, how we shop, how we pray, how we serve. For me, personally, it has been a year without physical, human contact. I see my children via Zoom, and talk to my mom on the phone. It’s been a year of loss - not only human loss, but a loss in our ability to grieve with one another and to celebrate milestones with one another. It’s been a year of angst - of fear of the virus and getting it, a fear of losing those we love and not being able to be with them when they are moving to become part of the saints. It’s also been a year of prayer. More people are praying than ever before, because what else can we do? It’s been a year of learning about new ways to be community, new ways to be together (never thought I’d be playing Zoom BINGO ), a new way of loving one another, and new ways of loving God. It’s been a year.
Rev. Colleen sent me a video I’d like to share, https://youtu.be/Ht2NCrlghS4, Sara Bareilles - A Safe Place to Land (Live at the Village) ft. John Legend. It is magnificent. It reminds me of all the hands that have been there, reaching out, during this dark time. It reminds me that we are still called to make a difference and that, in fact, we are making a difference. God’s grace, I believe, has been pouring out it so many amazing ways. I find that when I join a Zoom call, my heart feels connected. When I hear your voices, I hear the voice of God encouraging me, reminding me I’m not alone, and that all will be well, all will be well, all matter of things will be well (Julian of Norwich). When I laugh with you, I feel hope. When I cry, or am frustrated, or sad with you, I feel the presence of God. When I listen to you, I feel your resounding courage. You, my dear brothers and sisters, have upheld me and have been God incarnate for me during this past year. You have been my safe place to land. Thank you. I hope I may offer you the same.
As we all get vaccinated, as the world opens up, I believe there will be a transition period, just like when we shut down. We have a year’s worth of stuff to process that we haven’t been able to process. We have a year of habits that will change, because they can! We have new ways to imagine being Holy Presence Catholic Community, because the opportunities are opening. My prayer for us is that we will first and foremost, continue to be a safe place to land, that we will continue to seek God, love mercy and kindness, and work for justice.
On April 22nd, I will be taking the day off. That is the day I can safely hug my children. I may never let go.
This 387 day season of Lent will soon be coming to an end. Christ will rise from the dead. We will rise like a Phoenix from the dust. Thanks and praise to you, most loving God, for walking with us, for sustaining us, and for your remarkable grace. On we go!!
Rev. Joan
