Today write a personal Inventory of your Blessings as you continue to pray for an end of the pandemic.

“Perhaps Daniel Defoe gave us some good advice through his fictitious character Robinson Crusoe. The first thing that Crusoe did when he found himself on a deserted island was to make out a list.

On one side of the list he wrote down all his problems. On the other side of the list he wrote down all of his blessings. On one side he wrote: I do not have any clothes. On the other side he wrote: But it's warm and I don't really need any. On one side he wrote: All of the provisions were lost. On the other side he wrote: But there's plenty of fresh fruit and water on the island. And on down the list he went.

In this fashion he discovered that for every negative aspect

about his situation, there was a positive aspect, something to be thankful for. It is easy to find ourselves on an island of despair.  Perhaps it is time that we sit down and take an inventory of our blessings.”  [Sermons.com 10-13-19]

The COVID 19 Pandemic continues to befuddle our scientists and plague our nation and our world.  Write your own Crusoe list of problems and blessings, remembering what Pope Francis said on March 27 as he led a prayer service in an empty St. Peter’s Square, "The worldwide pandemic that we are facing in not God’s judgment ...." but God’s call to reform, refashion and renew our lives.

  

Like the disciples on the Sea of Galilee a might storm is upon us, and we are afraid, “caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm” (the coronavirus), the entire world is on the boat.  Pope Francis reminded us that, “We have an anchor: by his cross we have been saved.  We have a rudder: by his cross we have been redeemed.  We have a hope: by his cross we have been healed and embraced so that nothing and no one can separate us from his redeeming love.” 

Let us pray today and every day, “I ask you to join me and cry out from the depths of your heart to the Lord who hears us.

“Lord, listen to my prayer: turn your ear to my appeal.” [Psalm 143] God, You are our refuge and our hope, we turn to you during this COVID 19 pandemic and plead for Your intercession.  In Your mercy and Your compassion “… grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, healing to the sick ….” [Collect from Mass Time in Pandemic].

Provide strength to the first responders and medical personnel.  End this coronavirus scourge.  Bring Your light to all who wander in the darkness of this pandemic and give each of us hope in Your eternal love today and every day.  Amen.  [Dcn. George Kelly]

May God Be Praised.