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Do Nothing Without The Bishop

I'm not feeling any conflict or disagreement with the suspension of public Masses; I'm at risk, more than the rest of us. I miss being near the altar as well, but not enough to risk catching the virus, or spreading it to someone else.

Quite frankly, I think people can get possessive about the sacraments, as if the sacraments themselves belong to us as a birthright. At times like these, it is good for us to remember that the sacraments are the means--even the primary means--of loving God, and being loved in Him. That being said, they are not the only exclusive means. For me, even the thought of putting one of your loved ones at grave risk, even for the consolation of receiving Holy Communion, seems selfish. I don't live for the consolations of God, but for God Himself.

I serve a good and holy Bishop here, who understands the great family privilege of the sacraments, the gifts of grace and salvation given to us by Christ himself. Yet even if I did not, I would not dare to contradict the bishop, or to disobey him, because he rules by Christ's own appointment. And whatever and whomever is appointed by Christ is for that reason blessed and appointed by the Father.

I have been blessed to hear the Archbishop preach, and to give edifying talks on various spiritual topics. It brings me joy to think of his face, to hear his voice in my mind, or to hear him chuckle at some blessing, or some foible of ours, that needs the mercy of Jesus.

May St. Ignatius of Antioch strengthen us, and pray for us even now, as we endure this time of testing, even as it seems to near its end.
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