being blessed in God’s providence

watching the news about covid-19 and how the coronavirus is spreading throughout the world is humbling. it can send fear through our bones. it can frustrate us in the changes of life that we now have to live. it has opened up so many areas of uncertainty in our lives, families and societies.

we have to rely on health professionals who are working so hard and utilizing all their talents to slow the virus and attend to those who are affected by it

a primary teaching of jesus is “blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the reign of God” (Mt 5:1). being poor in spirit is about trusting in God’s providential care/love for us. the peace that comes from knowing that we are in the hands of God can be a comfort that this world cannot give us. God indeed reigns in our hearts.

with this covid-19 crisis, we are living with the reality that we are not in control of much that happens in life. of course we need to do all we can with the various safety precautions, but this pandemic shows us how small and vulnerable we are in this world. and that life can be fleeting

we continue to pray the Spirit’s gifts on all of us– especially medics, nurses, doctors, researchers and our elected officials– to continue to respond as best we can

we pray for the gift of being “poor in spirit” so that we can realize God’s reign and blessings through this heavy cross