Inspired by Scholastica

In the absence of the Eucharist during this pandemic, we are learning more what it means to be bread for one another in small ways and large. Bread is nourishment. We can nourish each other by our words of encouragement and our smiles of greeting. "When someone says, "I hope you are feeling better" or "I'm so happy to see you!" don't we feel filled with good vibes? Or when someone lights up when we come into the room, it's like being fed with new energy. Bread is also a staple of life. Most people cannot live without it. That's why Jesus came as bread. It is life-giving. We bring life to one another with the bread of compassion, the bread of kindness, the bread of hospitality. Through our listening to the lonely, offering hope to the downcast,  serving someone in need, we become life-bearers for others. In addition, bread is a sign of communion, a sign of unity. We usually do not eat bread alone; we share it with others. It was when Je...

The coronavirus has certainly wreaked havoc on our world. It has touched every country except Antarctica and without a vaccine the pandemic will not end, most scientists say. So can any good come from such an apparent evil? When I hear of people reaching out to those in need because of jobs lost or workloads cut, I am touched by their generosity and compassion. People who before the virus may not even have been conscious of others' suffering, have suddenly realized that without jobs, many people cannot feed their families. I hope that this outreach to others will continue after things get back to "normal,". The social distancing has also made many of us realize how much we took hugs or kisses for granted and now we miss the need for contact. It has given many a new appreciation for closeness and the touch of skin. Another "good" that I hope will continue after the pandemic is the importance of calling family and friends by phone or e-mail or zoom to sa...

The death rate from coronavirus for nursing homes is skyrocketing above the general population.There are several reasons: nursing homes are generally understaffed, many have two residents in a room, and there are minimal medical personnel in most facilities. If some of the staff get sick, often there are no replacements. This often causes the facilities to be unclean and underserved. There may be an underlying feeling that   younger people should be attended first   since they have longer years to live. However, each life is precious, no matter what the age. The elderly in nursing homes are someone’s mother or father, grandparent, or other relative.They ought to be cared for on an equal basis as anyone else with the virus. The US is the richest country in the world and we ought to be able to tend our elderly with dignity and   expert care.   Granted some cities are overwhelmed and need outside assistance. Of course,  m any   nursing homes pr...

Darkness surrounds us during this holy time, no end in sight, only waiting alone wondering if the pandemic will hit us -- strike our little corner of the world. We wait as Jesus waited first in the garden, then on the grueling climb to Golgotha, finally on the spiked cross of crucifixion when Jesus felt abandoned, deserted, wrenched beyond human dimension, no safety net, no last minute reprieve. Our darkness can be fecund as it was for Jesus, when all thought light had been extinguished, the resurrection   broke through. May our darkness, our unknowing, no matter  how long, burst forth  into a swath of health,  freedom from fear,  and transformation into renewed bearers  of the Light.

Some of us are feeling hemmed in, claustrophobic, anesthisized. We are depressed by the constant bad news about the spread of Covid 19. Our hearts ache for the victims as well as the medical personnel who put their lives on the line daily to tend to those who are affected. When I was feeling overwhelmed yesterday I took a walk outside and breathed in the fresh air consciously. I noticed the miniature pear trees blooming and a few doffodils showing off their buttercup yellow petals. and was grateful. I smelled the new green grass and heard the birds twittering and smiled. I watched the squirrels climbing trees and scampering around on the ground and smiled more. I realized that I usually take all these ordinary things for granted. Now I view them in a new light, a new appreciation. The sights and smells and sounds seem unusually wonderful. And for those who cannot go outside, look out your window. Perhaps you too can relish the beauty of nature during this season of new life. ...