Homily Cycle A 3-15-2020

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031520.cfm

Our readings today speak to us about outcasts and hatred, so as we battle the coronavirus as a nation and as a world let us find ways to cooperate, support and pray for each other and for our leaders.  Let us pray for leaders from all walks of life, but especially those in government and health care.

Jesus asked the woman in our Gospel to reflect on her life and her priorities, He asks us to do the same.  We can certainly pray for the end of this coronavirus pandemic, but we can also be attentive to lending assistance to someone in need during this time of tension and fear of the unknown.

Maybe this funny story can lighten our burden: Meatless Fridays

John was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood.  On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling a big juicy steak on his grill.  His neighbors were eating tuna fish and tomato soup for supper.  This went on each Friday of Lent.

 

The neighborhood men got together & decided that something had to be done about John.  He was tempting them to eat meat each Friday of Lent, and they couldn't take it anymore.  They decided to try and convert John to Catholicism.  They went over to talked with him and he decided to join all of his neighbors and become a Catholic, which made them all very happy.

They took him to church, and the priest sprinkled some holy water over him, and said: "You were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, and now you are a Catholic."  The men were so relieved, now their biggest Lenten temptation was gone. 

When the next Lenten season rolled around, as the neighborhood settled down to their tuna fish and tomato soup dinner, the smell of steak cooking on a grill came wafting into their homes.  The neighborhood men could not believe their noses!

WHAT WAS GOING ON?

They decided to meet over in John's yard to see if he had forgotten it was the first Friday of Lent.  The group arrived just in time to see John standing over his grill with a small pitcher of water and as he was sprinkling the water over his steak, they heard him say: "You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish."

Let me conclude with this modified version of a Coronavirus prayer:

Jesus … you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.”

Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus …

Heal us from our fear …

Heal us from our pride ….

Jesus …  healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Be with those who have died from the virus.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected.

Be with the leaders of all nations [and] give them the [courage to work for the common good].

Jesus … stay with us [and] give us your peace.

Jesus … heal us.  Amen.

America Magazine - A Coronavirus Prayer [Kerry Weber March 02, 2020]

May God Be Praised!