Each season of the "Church year" is unique and special and asks us to focus on a different aspect of salvation history through the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. I must admit that more often than not, my pastor's column, which I normally compose on Tuesday, is influenced by what is going on that day or in the immediate days that follow. Of course with all the uncertainties, anxieties and cancellations of so many activities at church and in the community it is hard for me or anyone to realistically look very far ahead and comment about something because by the time this column is read, we might be looking at something that is not now on the radar. I am truly hoping that one of those possibilities, a stay at home order, from our governor does not happen because I would be truly saddened if we had to close the doors of our parish complex which would mean the suspension of our ministry of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, which I consider to be essential (continual, 24/7 prayer going in our chapel) as we need the Lord's help first and foremost to get through this pandemic and look forward to returning to the celebration of the Eucharist (in person) as well as social, fundraising and educational opportunities that help us to connect in a more direct way with the Lord and others.
I am so please to say that at the time of the composition of this column, after the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration leadership team met by teleconference earlier today and discussed the results of hearing from those who have chosen to suspend for now their participation in P.E.A., that there are an overwhelming number who say they want to continue covering their hour, and there are substitutes and regulars who are ready to cover the hours that are currently open. If everyone follows good hygiene practices as they come in and when they leave the chapel and spread out when there is more than one person there, I am confident that the continual prayer and presence before Jesus in the Monstrance lifting up our country's people and those throughout the world who are affected either directly or indirectly by this virus, will bear much fruit in the efforts now and in the future to combat this virus and in keeping the adorers and others focused on the Lord who is ALWAYS there to calm our fears and bring us his peace. If you are currently not one of our regular adorers or substitue adorers and are in good health, I invite you to call me (501-209-2502) or Tom Donnelly (501-915-0880) and offer yourself in this blessed ministry.
Throughout all of this that we are going through, I pray we will look for many positives that are coming out of this unprecedented time in all of our lives. Putting our hope and trust in the Lord and helping one another will get us through anything that happens to us in the journey to heaven! Keep your chin up and the prayers going! I know they are still happening 24/7 in our Perpetual Adoration Chapel!
Thankfully I don't have to carry a card around that says I am a Christian. Much more important it is that I and we show in demeanor, in word and in deed that we are a Christian. The time of Lent is meant, among a number of things, to train and prepare us to be better "ambassadors for Christ," humbly recognizing and admitting that at times we fail to show people that Christ and his ways are the light that leads us through the ups and downs of life. When we fail, the Lord is always there to lift us up with his mercy and make us more pleasing to him and to others.
While I almost said in both of the instances above "you can trust me that I am who I say I am" to the people that asked for "proper" identification, I hope all of us strive, with the grace and inspiration of the Lord, to proudly and in truth identify ourselves as disciples of Christ who live for his honor and glory!
Actually, the earliest record of the sign of peace happening during the Mass goes all the way back to St. Justin Martyr (who lived in the 2nd century). At that time, it was placed after the Prayer of the Faithful and just before the bread and wine were brought forward: "When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss." (CCC 1345). This placement was certainly influenced by Mth 5: 23-24 where Jesus admonishes his followers to make peace among themselves before bringing their gift to the altar. It moved to other places in the liturgy until it disappeared from the Mass by the 1474 Missal.
Discussions at Vatican Council II were in favor of restoring the practice, with some encouraging its placement immediately after the Prayer of the Faithful as it was done in the time of St. Justin. While it was ultimately decided to put it where it currently is, and the gesture of exchange be decided by each bishop's conference in accord with the culture and customs of the people within their jurisdiction, one thing that is said in the Instruction is: "It is appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace IN A SOBER MANNER, ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE NEAREST TO THEM. (GIRM 82). I have to admit that this directive, in practice, has not been taught and stressed to most congregations which has resulted in prolonged greetings by some to MANY who are nearby and NOT in a "sober" manner.
While I recognize how challenging it will be in the short term to refrain from shaking hands with the people "nearest" to us, even more challenging to some, I think, is to make this time and gesture more "sober" and not a time to greet many people around us in a jovial and friendly manner. I would ask us to try respecting the prayerfulness of the Mass INCLUDING this ancient practice of the Sign (or kiss) of Peace and not feel the need to encounter with this gesture everyone who anywhere are within arm's reach. Indeed, I know this would be (or will be?) tougher to do than just refraining from handshakes for the short term.