April 27, 2020
Be sure to REGISTER for this week’s webinar with Bishop James Schuerman. This Thursday, April 30th, at noon ET, 11 CT, 10 MT, and 9 PT. The webinar is titled “Let Us Cross to the Other Side (Mark 4:35) – A Border-Crossing Spirituality of Mission.”
Seventeen missionary-disciples gathered for prayer, accompaniment, and solidarity last week. We opened with a prayer from the new Mass just approved for The Roman Missal. There was a lot on people’s hearts and minds:
The group offered lots of personal support and some response to the burdens we carry. We can keep a close eye on the food shortage and hold Congress accountable for the $3.4 billion they approved for food security.
We can be vigilant about reopening - The magic number seems to be 10%; of the people tested, there are 10% or less positive. The current national percentage is over 20%. The solution is more testing. Also, as places open, people will be watching for new outbreaks. Vermont may be a good test – its numbers are looking good right now.
An Archbishop from Cameroon wrote a pastoral letter. The African Faith and Justice Network is also a good resource on what is happening in Cameroon today.
How do we view our challenge before us when mission trips are cancelled? If we had to put a song to it, is it more “Staying Alive” or “I Keep Standing?” We need to stay engaged with our missionaries – accompany them through these challenging days. We also need to stay connected with our host missions. Can we involve our missionaries in staying connected to our hosts by creating intentional conversations – that advances the encounter, dialogue, and prayer?
How do we view the pandemic itself? One way to look at it is through the lens of Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief. HERE is a link to a helpful website. Another perspective comes from Stephen Covey and the spheres of concern, influence, and commitment. Here is a helpful handout to understand Covey’s thought.
Prayer
Solidarity
Resources