Dear Fellow Parishioners, Several have mentioned that our homily theme for this Easter Season is so pertinent and timely! “Unleashing healing and hope!” As the months of the pandemic increase and we experience so much loss it is tempting to give up and give in. Many of us are experiencing mental and emotional exhaustion, the sense of loss is overwhelming, anger, fear and anxiety are all mixed in a bag of emotions that are so difficult to sort out.
It is so important to remember not to go it alone. Make sure you are talking with others and stay connected with family and friends, even if it is through phone conversations and yes, even facetime and zoom! Most important is to name, and label what you are feeling, our feelings are nothing to be ashamed of and should not be denied. It is when we name how we are feeling that healing and hope can be restored.
Time and time again through the Gospels, Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” When we take the time to acknowledge our feelings, we can bring that to prayer and into our conversations with others so the healing process begins. You are important enough to take the necessary time it takes to work through the loss, bitterness, resentment and all the feelings that are part of this Covid-19 pandemic-this wilderness journey that we are all on.
I know I am trying to unravel the events of these past 15 months and will be taking next week off to unwind and unravel the mixed bag of events that have taken place. I remember that every time we were leaving our home the words, “Take care of yourself!” would be heard. So as we concentrate this Easter Season on “Unleashing healing and hope!” start by “Taking care of yourself!”