Deacon Tom Lambert of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Chicago sends along this simple, yet timely and helpful advice:
Pray! That’s a proper beginning and ending to everything. Look for the daily and Sunday Mass readings throughout the Easter season, which runs through Pentecost on May 31. This is the time of the year when the Spirit is especially alive in the Scripture readings.
Ask, “What am I grateful for? What inspires me? Who inspires me?”
Keep reaching out. Stay connected with people. Do so by connecting online, by phone, with emails, etc. This can help reinforce the fact that we are not alone. It can be helpful to remember that there are people among us going through this too — our friends, family, others.
Ask, “How can I help others?” What can I do today to make others feel supported, loved, connected?
A Prayer for today from the Grotto:
Good and gracious God,
today we are grateful for the life you give us in your Risen Son.
Thank you for our families and friends
whose love reminds us of your love.
Thank you that we are alive and well
as this virus rages through the world.
Lord, keep us hopeful when we feel fearful.
Keep us joyful when we feel scared.
Keep us focused when we feel scattered.
Lord, please take care of those we love and care for.
Keep us connected, keep us well, and keep us hopeful.
Lord, with you walking along with us on the journey, we feel safe.
Thank you.
