By DEACON MIKE MANNO, JD
One of the difficulties in writing a weekly column is the lag time between writing and actual publishing. As I write today the coronavirus has almost totally shut down the entire world — especially my little part of it. What it will be like when this is published is anyone’s guess, but it appears that the virus and its continued effects will only grow worse, God help us!
There are some bright spots, however. Here in Iowa, and many other places, Sunday and daily Masses have been suspended “for the duration” — whatever that means. I can no longer do hospital visits since only patients and authorized hospital workers are allowed admittance. Through all of this there is a clamoring from the faithful over their loss of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
While I, too, miss those things, the result demonstrates that the faith is still alive in the faithful, and for most the Sunday obligation, from which we have been excused, is not an “obligation” but a welcome respite from the cares of this world where we can meet and worship our Maker in a regular, life-enhancing way. And it is also a reminder that here in the United States, we are still free to do so.
The difficulty is, I think, that the Sunday obligation was an easy way for most of us to find time for the Lord. Now we have to actually think and do something that might at first feel a bit uncomfortable, like a family rosary or other devotion. So one suggestion is this: Many parishes, such as mine (St. Augustin, Des Moines) are open for Eucharistic adoration, many on a 24-7 basis. Keeping company with our Savior and humbling ourselves before our God is never an action we should regret and now it might be more important than ever. Remember God’s message from Chronicles:
“I have heard your prayer, and I have chosen this place for my house of sacrifice. If I close heaven so that there is no rain, if I command the locust to devour the land, if I send pestilence among my people, and if my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land” (2 Chron. 7:12-14).
Faith and Scripture are always so comforting during difficult times. Let’s try and remember that after the current crisis ends.
Even though we may still be only in the early stages of the pandemic, it is heartening to see how so many people have banded together to help out neighbors, especially the poor and elderly, through this trial. My Facebook newsfeed is filled with offers to help; some have even offered to provide breakfasts and lunches for poor students who can no longer receive their meals from their closed schools.
The government, after some tentative steps, is now gearing up for a massive fight against this disease and the economic devastation it is producing. Members of the administration are working with elected officials of both sides of the political aisle to provide the relief that only government can, but also are providing assistance to state and local governments who are becoming our first line of defense.
Of course there have been some discordant notes, such as the attempt by Speaker Nancy “my Catholic faith teaches me” Pelosi to attach an abortion-funding measure to a coronavirus relief bill, as well as those social media idiots who are criticizing the Republicans for removing abortion assistance from the relief effort.
And not the least of which are the leading presidential candidates (as well as the media) who, for political reasons, have attacked the president for closing United States entry from China at the first sign that the virus could be deadly. Pandering to the politically correct and tribally oriented crowd, they criticized Mr. Trump for the one single thing that has thus far kept us from falling into the abyss that Italy has fallen into.
The suggestion that the president is doing this because of his inherent bias against Asians, or aliens in general, is grossly reckless, especially considering that Communist China, either by deliberate action or wishful incompetence, has greatly contributed to the world’s viral pains.
But one notable example of bipartisanship is someone I very rarely agree with, Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York. He has left the partisan rhetoric aside and has by word and action joined with and supported the Trump administration to attack our common enemy. Indeed, I think most governors have been following that policy, ensuring that there is a nationally coordinated response to the coronavirus. I pray that the political sniping will end, for right now unity is needed as much as a cure.
There are two other groups of problem makers that we need to curb if we are to wrest power away from the disease. The first are those who are ignoring all the health warnings by exposing themselves and their families to the risks associated with their failure to comply with simple instructions from our public health practitioners. First among this group are the millennials, especially those partying on spring break, who will end up taking the virus home to their parents and grandparents who will suffer the consequences.
might remind them that 75 years ago their grandparents — who were their age then — were storming the beaches of Normandy to defeat the Nazis. Is it too much trouble for you to stay off the beaches this year to beat the virus? The life you save might be your grandfather’s. And he was a lot tougher than you are when he was your age.
The other group I have no respect for are the selfish idiots who are buying up all the soap, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizers — especially those who are trying to make a profit by reselling them. There will always be those without a conscience who will try to profit from a crisis. There’s probably a special place in their father’s conflagration for them.
And why toilet paper?
Anyway, there is now a special parish responsibility for those who are capable. Due to cancellations and closings, there are many who are losing touch with their parish communities, some of whom will be having a difficult time. It is important that we keep the lines of communication open to them. If your parish has not already reached out to you, call and volunteer. You may not be able to go visit your elderly parishioners, but phone calls and text messages will let them know they have not been forgotten.
And don’t forget those who cannot get out. Volunteers delivering groceries and other needed items will help keep your parish communities knitted during these times. Call your parish office and see if your youth, men’s, KCs or other groups might want to provide volunteers to look after the least and the neediest among you.
I was going to write about assisted suicide . . . did all the research and had it outlined in my mind. But this is more important. This requires true Christian charity.
Will you help?
(You can reach Mike at: DeaconMike@q.com, and hear him every Thursday on Faith On Trial on IowaCathoicRadio.com.)
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