Homily for Sunday, April 5

Dear Parish Family:

As I was walking alone in the woods this past Monday, I was reflecting on the dramatic shift of our attention as a people that has occurred in just one month. Much of our focus for the past year and into early March was on the desire for power and the abuse of power. Suddenly, we all have become aware of our fundamental helplessness in the face of a disease of which we have very little understanding. One thing we do know is that the coronavirus is a respiratory illness. A year ago, a beloved priest whom we called “Father O” was dying of a respiratory illness – pulmonary fibrosis. He persevered nobly, but I know that there were moments when this good, holy priest uttered the very words which we hear Jesus speak in the passion narrative three times: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)

There is a tendency to regard Jesus’ resignation to God’s will at that moment of agony as simply passive acceptance. Look, however, at his dialogue with the Roman governor, Pilate. “Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?...You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above.” (John 19:10-11) Who had the greater power in that conversation? You and I face daily decisions to love which are not easy in the midst of this health crisis. We do, however, have a power within that is far greater than any evil. We have a relationship with the one who has conquered all sin and death. As his life was “ebbing away” last July, Father O exuded this powerful faith and the real presence of the living God. He asked for the anointing and viaticum (his last Holy Communion) and then asked for his rosary. There was a special sparkle in his eyes as he bid me farewell and thanked me for that early morning encounter. We have not been able to pray the “Stations of the Cross” this Lent together as often as we would like; but we have been invited to live them in a unique way. The version we use at Blessed Sacrament most weeks is the one written by Deacon Clarence Enzler, the father of Monsignor John Enzler. In the light of the deaths of those we love and amid the uncertainty of the crisis we all endure, ponder again these words from the twelfth station: “My Jesus, God, what can I say or do? I offer you my death with all its pains, accepting now the time and kind of death in store for me. Not by a single instant would I lengthen my life’s span. I offer you my death for my own sins and those of my fellow men. My God! My God! Forsake us not. We do not know what we do.”
 
Yours in Christ,
Father Bill Foley

HOLY WEEK AT HOME
This Holy Week presents a unique opportunity for families to focus on the central mysteries of our faith together at home. It is highly recommended that we read the Passion Narratives from all the gospels, celebrate the Stations of the Cross, and pray the rosary. Our Jewish friends begin Passover on Holy Thursday. If you have a Passover ritual you might make that the focus of your meal that day or perhaps read the story from the Book of Exodus. We are, of course, encouraged to read the Scriptures for the Triduum services. They can be found on the USCCB website.
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
Some people have been kind enough to mail or deliver their regular offertory donation. Please remember that our mailbox is at the Parish Center. We rarely look at the rectory box. Thank you for all your help also via Faith Direct or online!