We are persevering, we are adapting, we are praying and doing our best to not only survive but thrive during this pandemic. It seems the coronavirus has affected everyone in the world in some way – especially the ill, their caregivers and those on the front lines of patient care; those with essential jobs; those unable to work to provide for their families; those with changed schedules, including those with increased responsibilities; and those who may be lonely.
We’re all trying to stay healthy; not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. The extra time we may have allows for more prayer; let us truly take advantage of this time to turn back to the Lord and grow closer to him. Sure; clean out that closet you’ve been meaning to for five years, but I implore you to also take the extra time to add additional prayer to your day. Maybe you’ve been meaning for years to pray the rosary daily – what a great time it is to begin now! Maybe that spiritual book has been sitting on your shelf; open it! Maybe you’ve been interested in how Marian consecration works or always wanted to read the Gospel of Matthew. Now is the time! All there is to do is begin.
The world has reached out with myriad opportunities to stay connected, cope with social distancing and communicate with others virtually. Many of these are awesome ideas, and I definitely need connection to stay healthy. However, it can encourage us to spend a lot of time staring at a screen. May I suggest, especially with spring and its beauty starting to arrive, we nurture ourselves by spending time outside?
Being outside has been shown to have numerous benefits for mood, stress and our physical selves. I’ve heard from others and have experienced myself that being outside can be refreshing and a spiritual experience as well. Several saints also found God in the outdoors, including Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who loved to climb mountains. Saint John Paul II loved the outdoors and spent lots of time there throughout his life, hiking, skiing and kayaking. (These two also show that one does not have to wait for warm weather to adventure outside!) Saint Francis of Assisi is also well-known for his connection to nature and its creatures. He found great meaning and joy in God’s creation.
I often refer to the saints because they inspire me, give me ideas and encourage me to persevere in pursuing eternal life with Christ. I believe there will be more saints forged through the difficulties and opportunities of this pandemic. Let us unite in prayer and journey ever onward to heaven, through the Cross to the joy of the Resurrection.