Each week during Lent,
one of the Cabrini Lay Missionaries will be offering a reflection.
The reflection for The Fourth Sunday in Lent is offered by
Vicky Lucio, CLM
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
H.E. Paul D. Etienne, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle, declared a Year of the Eucharist in our archdiocese from June 2020 to June 2021. Such a declaration, I think, is very timely during this difficult time of pandemic.
We need the Eucharist in our lives more than ever. The pandemic is not an impediment for us not to attend the holy Mass. In fact, this time is a great opportunity for us to maximize the benefits of the Holy Eucharist through the power of technology. Our current eucharistic life is now celebrated virtually or physically wherever it is viable. For those with limited internet or those with no internet at all, I heard they use the traditional use of radio or other indigenous ways of celebrating it. Regardless of how we participate, it becomes a viable alternative for all of us to receive the body and blood of Christ.
Interestingly, Pope Francis declared this year as the Year of St. Joseph in celebration of St. Joseph’s 150th anniversary of his declaration as Patron of the Universal Church. We also celebrate his feast day this month. St. Joseph obeyed God with simplicity, silence, and humility. I think his characteristics
resonate with what we need to focus on. There is too much noise hovering around us and at times we find it hard to see the simple things in life, to feel the silence of our hearts, and to experience the fruits of humility.
Covid 19, is a virus that is so silent yet extremely dangerous. If this is how silent and deadly the virus is, maybe we need silence to fight it back through the solemnity of each holy Mass being celebrated around the world.
Moreover, we need the intercession of St. Joseph especially during this Lenten season. May his faith and obedience to God be a guiding force and hope for all of us as we continue to rise above the pandemic. ~ reflection by Vicky Lucio, CLM