Caring for Our Soul During Difficult Times
Our soul is the core of who we are and caring for it is absolutely essential. During this health crisis, the church faces the reality of being unable to care for people’s souls as they normally would. The crisis has forced all of us to rethink how we accomplish certain aspects of our religious lives and the church has had to get creative, adapt and try to reach people in their “online” lives. But, not being able to go to church isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It may just mean that we have more time to spend with our spiritual state of being. Considering that we have less distractions, making it easier to focus on our relationship with God and achieve a deeper sense of peace. For instance, I've found solace in taking a few moments each day to journal my thoughts and prayers, allowing me to process my emotions and stay grounded in my faith. I also make it a point to take short walks outside, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of nature, which helps me clear my mind and feel more connected to God's creation. As I walk, I often find myself reflecting on the simple joys in life, like the beauty of a sunrise or the kindness of a stranger, and I'm reminded to express gratitude for these everyday blessings.
Caring for our soul doesn’t necessarily mean we must go to church either, it can be a combination of things like enjoying the little moments with the people we love, spending time reading the bible, reading a good book, spreading kindness with the people around us. Although the current situation doesn’t allow us to do a multitude of things, being isolated may be a great time to re-discover our faith. I've also been reminded of the importance of gratitude, taking time to reflect on the blessings in my life, no matter how small they may seem, and expressing thanks to God for His presence and provision. This practice has become a vital part of my daily routine, and I've noticed that it helps me stay focused on what truly matters, even in the midst of uncertainty.
Psalm 25
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you Lord, are good. Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
Being deprived from attending Mass is tough for all of us; nonetheless, you can be sure that in the midst of uncertainty, anxiety and fear, God is with us. Even if we feel like we cannot trust anything or anyone, we can trust in God’s presence. He will grant us peace, love and strength so we can remain physically and spiritually healthy. As I navigate these challenging times, I'm reminded of the value of community, even when we can't be together in person - a phone call to a friend, a kind message to a neighbor, or a prayer shared with a loved one can be a powerful way to stay connected and support one another. In those moments of connection, I'm also reminded to pray for those who are struggling, and to ask for God's guidance and wisdom in my own life, that I may be a source of comfort and hope to those around me. For example, I've started a weekly video call with my family, where we share our thoughts, prayers, and concerns, and it's been a beautiful way to feel close to them despite the physical distance.
While it’s essential to remain vigilant to potential dangers from this virus, we must continue to trust in God, remain calm and stay positive in a time of distress. Show compassion to those who are suffering, and pray for the healing of the world. By doing so, we can find a sense of purpose and meaning, even in the midst of uncertainty, and we can trust that God is working through us to bring hope and comfort to those around us.
