On this fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, we pause to reflect on the upcoming joy of Easter. So many of our parishioners are vaccinated, and feel safer to be out, especially at church. If you are coming to church, you may notice that it is a little more crowded. We will continue to have social distancing, every other pew still blocked off, and all will continue to wear masks. All the priests and deacons are fully vaccinated, and as we near Easter, some of our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will begin to serve again, as they are vaccinated as well. We have many Mass choices on the weekends, and some are less crowded, so I hope you can think about when you can be joining us in person soon. Archbishop Blair has extended the dispensation for the obligation to attend until May 23, 2021.
When reflecting on the deadly sin of envy, we need to be clear that the remedy is gratitude. We should all be thankful that a vaccine is available to lead us out of this pandemic. We should all be thankful that so many have done so much to keep us safe during this time, at great personal risk to themselves for the greater good of all. Most of all we should be grateful that our loving God has been accompanying us on this journey. We have not been left alone, not abandoned. The prophet Isaiah tells us that God’s promise to His people is: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” Let us all live, not envious for what we do not have, but in gratitude for the blessings of the continued presence of God in our lives. Have a great week!