We face adversity as we look ahead to the remaining weeks of 2020. We are so often disheartened by the divisions in our nation and our Church. And we are distressed by ongoing inequities based on race, ethnicity, and national origin. We have seen the dangerous impact of climate change in floods and fires. We are concerned about our sisters and brothers who have lost jobs and homes. We are frightened and distressed by the grim statistics of a surging pandemic – so much suffering, so many deaths. The tensions in the air have impacted us all even in the cloister. We try to continue in patience and charity. And we praise and thank God for the self-sacrifice of so many healthcare workers and people of goodwill everywhere.
May we all be attentive to the unexpected graces that God will bestow on us during these trying times. As we look ahead, let us be mindful that with vaccines and therapeutics progressing, there’s every reason to hope. On this Saturday of Our Lady, we entrust our cares to her motherly protection.
Drawing by Leonardo. Message adapted from a text by Joseph O'Keefe, SJ.
