The More Things Change...

As we awoke to our Second Sunday isolated in our home, we decided to embrace the new reality with a new attitude. We made a good breakfast, dressed up in our Sunday best and gathered together for "home Mass" led by Peter and Katie (6 and 9), followed by "livestreamed Mass" celebrated by our pastor. Despite our best efforts to lean into our new experience, juice was spilled all over the "altar," tears erupted, shouting ensued and three-year old Norah had to be taken out of the room and into the basement. It actually felt like Sunday, and for once, I was glad for that feeling.

While I’ve been so grateful for the creativity unleashed in our Church because of this crisis, I thought about how that's not what I appreciate the most about new means and new methods being employed. I realized what I appreciate most is that they were being used to point me to the familiar – to my pastor, my church, the prayers I know, the truths I believe. Crisis demands a different response and at the same time demands a doubling-down on the foundational. Whether it’s with my team, my family, or in my faith during these difficult days, am I finding new ways to connect not only to people but to what is at the core, to that upon which each was formed, upon which each professes to exist? While some of my obligations of faith may be suspended during this period, am I appreciating its privileges? For whom will you provide that familiar comfort and point to that foundation for this week? Stay healthy and stay close to Him!