Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A parishioner forwarded this reflection to me and I thought how fitting as we continue through these challenging times. With Holy Week upon us, I think it speaks so well to our experience. Thank you for allowing me to add my own reflection below each line of dialogue (in italics):
Society: What about my plans?!
God: My plans for you are always better than your own. Don’t worry. I’m going to work this all out for your good.
Lord, You came to fulfill the Father’s plan. May we learn from Your holy example.
Society: We’re not going to get anything done.
God: That’s the point. You know how you keep spinning your wheels—always working, moving, doing—but never feeling satisfied? I’ve given you permission to stop. I’ve cleared your calendars for you! Your worth isn’t tied to business or accomplishment. All you have to do is take care of each other.
Lord, You love us even to the point of dying for our sins. May we accompany You with more focus and clarity during these holy days.
Society: What does this all mean?
God: It means I’m in control. It means you are human and I am God. It means I’ve given you a wonderful opportunity to be the light in a dark world. It means you are going to learn to rely on me.
Lord, You fell three times in your weakness carrying the Cross. In our frailty and weakness, may we find our strength in You alone.
Society: What are we supposed to do when we can’t leave our homes?
God: Rest. You are always so busy and overwhelmed, crying out to me weary and exhausted. Can’t you use a break from your fast-paced and over-scheduled lives? Go ahead and rest. Pray. Love your families. Be still and spend time with me.
Lord, Simon of Cyrene helped to carry Your Cross and walk with You in a unique manner. May we desire to spend more time with You.
Society: You mean we’re supposed to stay home with our kids all day, every day?
God: Yes, and you’re going to be just fine. This time together is a rare gift. The rush of daily life has come to a halt. Play games. Bake cookies. Work on projects you’ve never had the time for. Teach them kindness and grace. Show them how to endure difficult circumstances and steer them toward me.
Lord, you met Your Mother along the way to Calvary. May we cherish the gift of family and friends during this time and reach out to them in love.
Society: We better start hoarding anything we can get our hands on!
God: Prevention, yes. Precaution, yes. Preparedness, yes. But after that, it’s time to put the needs of others before your own. When you see someone in need, help them. Offer up what you have. Do not worry about tomorrow! Haven’t I always taken care of you? Now, go take care of someone else.
Lord, You were stripped of Your clothes and still trusted the Father. May we have this same confidence as we place our trust in You.
Society: Why is this happening?
God: To remind you that I’m in control. To bring your attention back to me.
Lord, in your final moments of life, You commended Your spirit to the Father. May we echo those same words as we pray, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
Let go… and let God.
May you and your loved ones enjoy this time together and may our entire spiritual family grow closer to God and to one another.
In Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection,
Fr. Gurnick
