Church of the Resurrection Parish Tempe recently issued the following announcement.

MY DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHRIST, (conclusion)  wholeheartedly agree with the writer I mentioned before that Jesus told us, “Do not be afraid.” In the !irst place, fear does not take away the dangers posed by the virus. Secondly, fear can really hinder us from being able to do what we have to do because of its paralyzing effects. That is why I always say, “Let us put our trust in the Lord” because trusting God takes away our fears and anxieties, knowing that He is always with us. I always believe that God will see us through this—in whichever way He deems better. I also agree that sickness and death are part of human experience—a reality that we have to accept. But I believe that it is imprudent to just let sickness and death come because of carelessness or even recklessness by moving around as if there is no pandemic. The book of Proverbs says “The wise is cautious and turns away from evil; but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.” (Proverbs 14:16). 

Jesus said, “Do not be afraid.” I have to admit that I was very concerned when I learned of the seriousness of this threat to human life and health. We have never seen anything of this magnitude before, or at least during our lifetime. The spread of infection worldwide is incomprehensible and the death toll is unimaginable. There are times when I would tell myself that it could be just a matter of time before I myself get the virus. When I do, I hope it will be mild and I survive it. If I die of it, then I pray that the Lord would be merciful on this sinner and take me into His presence. That is why I have put my Last Will and Testament right on top of my desk in the rectory. On the cover, there is a sign that says, “In Case of My Demise, Please Open.” I am not scared of the virus, but I remain vigilant and careful. 

I recently ministered to a family whose father died of complications from Covid-19. He was only 42 years old and left behind a loving wife and three young children. As I spoke to them, his oldest daughter who was probably 13 years old cried and said, “But I love my Dad… I am going to miss him so badly.” Beside her was her younger brother who wept uncontrollably. Their mom was trying to be strong for them while she herself needed strength to face the uncertainty she had to face with the sudden passing of her husband. I had to hold back my own tears, and I choked up as I offered my sympathies. (No, I did not tell them “it’s all part of human experience so just face it and move on”.) It was so painful to see three young children losing their father at their very young age, and a mother who has to support and bring the children up alone. At that moment, I did not feel I had to explain to them the meaning of their pain and suffering. There will be a proper time for that. All they needed that very moment was consolation—and prayers. 

Some people may say I am wrong. That is !ine. I know that I am not the smartest man on earth. But this is how I feel right now. I do believe in the meaning of suffering—but suffering has to have a purpose, like Christ’s. A great example of this is the suffering of our frontline workers who risk their own safety—and their own lives—to care for others. They suffer for a reason. At present, I am convinced that I need to protect my people from the virus—without denying them the Sacraments. When my time comes, I trust that the Lord will judge me according to His merciful and fair judgment. I am a sinner totally counting on God’s mercy. My hope is that He will judge us based on how we cared for one another and showed that we have come to understand the true meaning of His commandment of love. (THE END) 

GOD LOVES YOU ALL VERY DEARLY. 

In Christ, 

FR. ROMY

Original source can be found here.