Jesus, Mary, Joseph.
To escape the wrath of Herod,
you isolated yourselves in Egypt,
far from the support of family and friends.
We, too, are separated from many loved ones.
Our “Herod” is a virus putting all at risk.
Border closures prevent travel,
making reunion impossible.
You know the anguish of separation and
how the unknown gives birth to fear.
Strengthen the aroha that binds us,
the wairua that holds us close.
Gentle us in this time of uncertainty
to believe, to trust, to hope. Amen.
[Matthew 2:13-15]
You are far away, my friend,
for the good of your health
and mine and everyone else’s.
It hurts, of course,
for there is a longing to be together,
even while this pandemic hovers
and threatens lives, and keeps you
far away.
How wonderful, though, we can
hold one another in prayer
where isolation dissolves
and faith unites
and nothing is very far away.
Mary,
with your sister and some others,
you stood on Calvary
at a distance,
helpless with grief as Jesus died.
There are many today
in this pandemic crisis
who cannot be with those they love
who lie ill, perhaps dying.
All must remain socially distant,
unable to hold or even touch
lest the virus spreads.
Be with those who feel so helpless.
Comfort the healthy and the sick.
Ease the stress that distance imposes.
Open us to the strength you found
and to the peace no distance can disturb.
[Mark 15:40-41; John 19:25-27]
Fr James Lyons
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