A Time to See

We must become aware of the vulnerability of the social fabric of our society and our world and simultaneously begin to cultivate spaces where we can retell our stories of hope, struggle, and self-sacrifice. Pope Francis cries when he recalls the many faces that have tugged at his heart while we all cautiously await a post-COVID-19 life. The virus has dismantled our way of being. Yet the virus of global indifference has created graver harm to creation and humanity, whose cries have been ignored for far too long. We are not only in need of vaccines for COVID-19. (We are thankful we have some now). We are called to become “antibodies.” How? By allowing the Holy Spirit to aid us in redesigning a radical new way of being and living. We must dream of a future that seeks to restore the dignity of every person and creation. We must become antibodies. We must promote an enduring culture of care.

Fr. Jarek speaks with the congregation. Photo credit: Al Baeza

A Time to Choose

Above all, it is evident that we are to foster healthy relationships. We must create a sisterhood and brotherhood beyond borders. Pope Francis makes it clear, we advocate for equality and liberty. Now let us desire a new way of forming relationships. Fraternity is our new challenging frontier. We must not allow our sin of failing to recognize the dignity in the personhood of another. For far too long, we have lived in a world that seeks to possess and exploit, dismissing the gift and value of what we have. We are to reflect, question, and dialogue with one another. We are to choose the learning of three languages simultaneously: the language of the mind, the heart, and the hands. As “amas de casas” – as homemakers who do all that is possible to build and create places of belonging and flourishment.

A Time to Act

There is a need to slow down, take notice, and create better ways of living and journeying together. Take into account that God always chooses to go to the margins. To places of sin and misery, of exclusion and suffering, illness and solitude. These are places full of possibilities. We are to act like God and become the “saints next door.” We need to become those “saints” who have an awakened heart to seek those in the marginal places where possibilities are waiting. We need to move beyond our “so-whatism” by rethinking our priorities and daring to take risks. Just like the many nurses, doctors, and priests who became “saints next door” by giving witness to the fact that it is better to live a short life in service of others than to live a long life focused on one’s preservation and needs. There is life after crisis. There is a life after COVID-19. We are called to rebuild. We must dare to dream! We must dare to hope!