I clearly remember the day that it was announced that school would close down for 2 weeks. The very next morning, we found out the news that things were getting worse and school would be closed for 6 weeks. It was a whirlwind of emotions saying goodbye to students – all of us reassured with the hope of being back together soon, not knowing that we wouldn’t resume in person for the rest of the year.
The months to follow were filled with even more anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. I remember feeling angry and upset, asking God, “Why is this virus still here, causing illness and death? Why are people losing jobs? Why is there so much division, hatred, and unrest in our society?” In addition, not being able to go to Mass every Sunday also had made me feel distant from God. Though I was thankful to watch from afar, watching on-screen was not the same as being with my faith community in person or receiving the Eucharist. I am sure that many others feel the same.
Recently, I heard the verse from the Letter to the Romans, “What will separate us from the love of Christ?” I thought about how even though we might feel separated from our faith community (and from many of our communities), this physical separation can never separate us from God’s love for us. The verse lists many situations that people of faith have faced over time - anguish, distress, persecution, famine. Despite these circumstances, God reminds us that He is there with us through it all. “In all of these things we conquer overwhelmingly through Him who loved us.” His great love and care for us give us hope and strength, whatever unique situation or challenges that we currently face.
It is hard to know what the future holds, but I know that God has not abandoned or forgotten any one of us. He remains steadfast. Through hardship and uncertainty, He invites us to cling even more tightly to His love.
