June 2021
Reflections of God's Goodness
When the pandemic entered our lives over a year ago, everything changed. We experienced things we could not have imagined. In only a few months we were calling it a ‘new normal’ as restaurants and business closed, and masks became a way of life. Many of us wondered if life could ever be the same again.
We lived with fear of the COVID19 virus, social isolation, loneliness, cancelled events and activities. We missed extended family, and friends. We learned how loneliness and isolation effect the health and well-being of those who live alone and those in nursing homes. We were now experiencing that firsthand. Yet, we also discovered a silver lining when suddenly we had “time” to pray, time for quiet, and time for family games and conversation. We learned a new appreciation for family and friends.
Now, we are on the brink of another ‘new normal’ as restrictions are lifted. Do we really want to jump right back into the life of too many commitments, too many activities, and no time for family or friends? I think many of us have learned a new way of living, and even though we may have suffered under the isolation, we also found joy in our families and some time for desperately needed self-care. We learned how technology could help us reach out to lonely and isolated friends and neighbors as well as allow us to continue working.
How will we emerge from the restricted life?
Neurologist Sanjay Gupta suggests that we need to take the time to think about what we have learned from our pandemic experiences. Make a list of your own personal learnings and think about how you will re-enter the world. Be intentional about what needs to continue to be a part of your life post-covid.
“Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
I am sure God has plans for our ‘new normal’. The world needs God’s love more than ever and you are chosen to bring that love into the world through your love and actions. Can you think of one thing you can do going forward to bring God’s love to the neediest around us? What about neighbors who live alone, or those in nursing homes who never have a visitor?
“Let us put God in first place! Only by emptying ourselves, do we leave room for the Lord. The Spirit reminds us of the grace of the present moment. . . . here and now, is the only time to do good, to make our life a gift. The [Spirit] impels us to unity . . . to the harmony of diversity. He makes us see ourselves as parts of the same body, brothers, and sisters of one another.” (Excerpted from Pope Francis, Pentecost homily, 2021)
“Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”
He has told us everything we need to know to be ready, to prepare our hearts, minds and spirits for the part He will ask us to play in future days, months and years!
And so, we pray, together with the psalmist, “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. We love because he first loved us.”
