Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

During this Coronavirus pandemic, when we are ordered to stay at home, we can become very self-absorbed. In many ways, it has created inconveniences and separations that are somewhat painful, not in the least being our separations from our parish communities. I have said this before – but will emphasize even more during these trying times – we need to count our blessings. Doing so tells us immediately that we are not abandoned by God. A long-time friend of mine, Gayle McCaffrey, wrote a note to me during this Coronavirus crisis and enclosed a prayer by an unknown author that was printed in the newspaper. It’s worth sharing:

May we, who are merely inconvenienced, remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we, who have no risk factors, remember those most vulnerable.

May we, who have the luxury of working from home, remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.

May we, who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close, remember those who have no options.

May we, who have to cancel our trips, remember those who have no place to go.

May we, who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market, remember those who have no margin at all.

May we, who settle in for a quarantine at home, remember those who have no home. 

Allow me to add a few of my own:

May we, who hunger for contact with our family and friends, remember those who have

no family and friends.

May we, who long to be at our Sunday and weekday Eucharistic celebrations, remember those who have no priest to celebrate or are denied the practice of their faith.

May we, who are immobilized by uncertainty, remember those who began this crisis with uncertainty.

May we, who fail to smile and express joy, remember that God is always in charge and loves us.

May we, who have failed to give thanks for the blessings received in our lives, remember all we have is a gift from God.

During this time, when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Please know that my Love One Another (LOA) weekly blog to all of my readers contains a virtual hug from me, respecting social distancing and looking forward, with the help of God, to conquer this virus.

I am confident that God will make us stronger, but as in all situations, we must do our part and follow Jesus’ command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the April 14, 2020, "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.