“Peace I leave you, my peace I give you;
look not on our sins but on the faith of your church…”

As I listened to these words before the sign of peace today during mass being said live on Facebook because of COVID-19, I was finally struck by the deep meaning behind it. As peace flows from Christ, to the Church, to all God’s people it transforms us so we can share communion at the altar. Here God is showing us again how much He wants us- HIS people- to be united together with him in the Eucharist. The calling for us as Christians to be united at this time of worldwide crisis is crucial. We are called to support each other in our faith and humanity towards each other within our family and communities. During this time of trial and tribulation God wants us to know He is with us every step of the way and our union with Him in the Eucharist is evident of that unique bond we share so lovingly and intimately with our Creator and Savior. As Catholics, we need to come together like so many are doing, through prayer, witnessing our faith through kind words and deeds and by walking this journey as one community. Our unity right now is what is going to get us through this ordeal. Just think of how heaven must have truly rejoiced the other day when the whole church prayed the Blessed Mother’s rosary together at the request of Pope Francis. I can only imagine how much it filled our God with joy as we flooded Heaven with the sound of our voices raised together as one in prayer.

God is always listening and we should be listening to for how He wants us to share in His graces of not only forgiveness and everlasting life, but of healing and hope for renewed faith in Him, in humanity and in each other. As we are asked to be isolated from our social circles and church communities at this time, let us focus on what really matters the most – our family. God gave us our families. He designed them to be unique and special and just for us! Take this time to rejoice in that individuality and rediscover your family bond. Also, take this time to become truly one with each other and share in becoming closer to our God, especially during this Lenten Season. No matter how it all turns out in the end, let us focus on what God has given us already – the unconditional love of our families, love for our friends and communities and the strength to conquer anything through true faith in Him.

Keep the faith everyone and know that you are loved!