Today is Good Friday, one of the most important holidays of the Catholic Church.
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, mass gatherings related to Holy Week are canceled. The last time this happened was during the war, which means this postponement is the first time in the lifetime of many of us.
In the past few years, I admit that I haven’t been as active as I was in Holy Week activities. I was, after all, a choir member back then and this week used to be the busiest for us when it comes to practices and rehearsals. I was present in every procession, veneration, and mass from Palm Sunday until the Easter vigil where we’d sing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus — something I personally look forward to.
In the past few years, I am no longer able to attend many of these liturgical events, except the Visita Iglesia, which I still try to do on my own. Every year, on the evening of Maundy Thursdays, I walk to seven churches to pray to the exposed Blessed Sacrament in the Altar of Repose. Even in 2018 fresh out of major surgery, I made it a point to still do this as part of my pious tradition.
Before the outbreak, I already made plans months in advance to file a leave on Good Friday anticipating that I’d be doing the Visita Iglesia the night before. Of course, that has to be shelved as well because staying home and avoiding the crowd is the new normal.
While my faith in God never once faltered, and if for anything is much stronger compared to the time I was still serving our parish, it made me reflect on how I neglected my holy obligations over the years. I don’t go to mass every Sunday anymore, mostly because I’m particularly lazy. And if I do, I feel so distracted I could no longer concentrate.
The highly religious has said that COVID-19 is God’s punishment for our sins and, to be honest, this has also crossed my mind because of the recent events. While many will argue if this is really a divine punishment, maybe we should also consider that this pandemic is reminding us to strengthen our faith now that we have no excuse because we have all the time to do so.
With the lockdown extended, let us all be one and use this time to repent and pray more. Prayers not just for our family’s safety, but also for everyone out there — the health-care workers, the frontliners, the elderly, the sick, the forcibly unemployed and the many others who are sacrificing and suffering a great deal.
For all who have contracted coronavirus,
We pray for care and healing.
For those who are particularly vulnerable,
We pray for safety and protection.
For all who experience fear or anxiety,
We pray for peace of mind and spirit.
For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety,
We pray for policies that recognize their plight.
For those who do not have adequate health insurance,
We pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.
For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status,
We pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.
For our brothers and sisters around the world,
We pray for shared solidarity.
For public officials and decisionmakers,
We pray for wisdom and guidance.
Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all.
Grant peace.
Grant comfort.
Grant healing.
Be with us, Lord.
Amen.
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, mass gatherings related to Holy Week are canceled. The last time this happened was during the war, which means this postponement is the first time in the lifetime of many of us.
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| Pope Francis holds Mass for Holy Thursday in St. Peter's Basilica |
In the past few years, I admit that I haven’t been as active as I was in Holy Week activities. I was, after all, a choir member back then and this week used to be the busiest for us when it comes to practices and rehearsals. I was present in every procession, veneration, and mass from Palm Sunday until the Easter vigil where we’d sing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus — something I personally look forward to.
In the past few years, I am no longer able to attend many of these liturgical events, except the Visita Iglesia, which I still try to do on my own. Every year, on the evening of Maundy Thursdays, I walk to seven churches to pray to the exposed Blessed Sacrament in the Altar of Repose. Even in 2018 fresh out of major surgery, I made it a point to still do this as part of my pious tradition.
Before the outbreak, I already made plans months in advance to file a leave on Good Friday anticipating that I’d be doing the Visita Iglesia the night before. Of course, that has to be shelved as well because staying home and avoiding the crowd is the new normal.
While my faith in God never once faltered, and if for anything is much stronger compared to the time I was still serving our parish, it made me reflect on how I neglected my holy obligations over the years. I don’t go to mass every Sunday anymore, mostly because I’m particularly lazy. And if I do, I feel so distracted I could no longer concentrate.
The highly religious has said that COVID-19 is God’s punishment for our sins and, to be honest, this has also crossed my mind because of the recent events. While many will argue if this is really a divine punishment, maybe we should also consider that this pandemic is reminding us to strengthen our faith now that we have no excuse because we have all the time to do so.
For all who have contracted coronavirus,
We pray for care and healing.
For those who are particularly vulnerable,
We pray for safety and protection.
For all who experience fear or anxiety,
We pray for peace of mind and spirit.
For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety,
We pray for policies that recognize their plight.
For those who do not have adequate health insurance,
We pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.
For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status,
We pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.
For our brothers and sisters around the world,
We pray for shared solidarity.
For public officials and decisionmakers,
We pray for wisdom and guidance.
Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all.
Grant peace.
Grant comfort.
Grant healing.
Be with us, Lord.
Amen.
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