Jesus Is Always At Our Side – Fr Jim Lowe

Celebrating The Forth Sunday of Lent

Homily given by Fr. Jim Lowe CC

at St. Scholastica 10am Mass Sunday March 22, 2020

Know that I have been praying intensely for you every day, especially as I offer Mass daily for all your needs and intentions. I have already heard from several of you how challenging it is to accept the reality of not being able to receive the Eucharist. It is equally as challenging for me as a priest to not be able to celebrate the Mass publicly with you. These are unprecedented times. Know that with every single Mass celebrated, the priest is consciously aware of our spiritual communion with one another through Jesus’ offering on the cross. The priest consciously brings all of humanity, and each of you, to Jesus and through Him to the Father. We are united as one body.

It can be tempting to give in to fear and panic when we are faced with the unknown future. This time of pandemic has even been scary for me at times. Yet, whenever I have been tempted to fear in the midst of this pandemic, the Lord has repeatedly reminded me to turn to Him…to trust in Him. By the grace of God, I have listened and it has led me to spend even more time with Jesus in prayer. I have asked Him repeatedly, “Lord, how can I respond to the needs of your people during this time of pandemic?” The response I seem to be getting is, “keep coming to Me in prayer and I will guide you. I will lead you to make right decisions. I will give you peace in the midst of the constantly changing circumstances in the world. Trust in Me.” I really cannot give better advice than this. I encourage you during this time of pandemic not to allow the constantly changing circumstances to lead to fear and panic. Find time in your day for prayer. Open up your Bible and seek God’s wisdom. Consider limiting the amount of time you spend watching the news or searching the news on the internet and social media. Instead, turn on EWTN or Catholic Radio or formed.org. Consider turning on some praise and worship or uplifting hymns.
On a practical note, take seriously all the directives given by our government officials. This is a serious pandemic. We need to be smart.
The Archdiocese of Detroit has been posting very helpful messages on their web site www.aod.org
St. Scholastica will be posting useful information on our web site as well as video updates from Fr. Jim regularly at www.stscholasticachurch.org

If you need to speak with Fr. Jim or want the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick or Confession, please call 313-531-0140 and dial extension 6.

Finally, Archbishop Vigneron has been encouraging churches to remain open for prayer as long as we can re- main within the guidelines for safety. We have been open- ing the church daily from 6 am to 12 noon for prayer as long as there are no more than 10 people and social distancing is maintained. We will continue to provide this opportunity for prayer.

Be assured of my daily prayer for you, especially for good health and peace. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Jim Lowe, CC