Prudence is good advice concerning all that occurs in our
lives: it is the virtue that guides us to choose “best practices” in the face
of every human situation. Bishop Brennan
has invited us to exercise prudence in our response to the reality the world is
facing concerning the corona virus. The
Bishops of Ohio have dispensed obligation to attend Mass for the next three
weekends, but at present we are still able to have Mass publicly.
In some countries and dioceses throughout the United States,
public Masses have been cancelled. We
will take advantage of being able to be present as long as we can and pray it
does not come to that for us.
Many years ago when there was a concern about an especially
virulent strain of the flu, we took up precaution to address that and we have simply
kept them going ever since. So, we are
set to address the current situation by already engrained good habits and practices. We may need to make a few other changes in
our common practice as things develop. In
the meantime, here are some simple suggestions.
- If you are sick,
stay home and get well.
- If you cough or
sneeze, ensure that you do so into a tissue or your elbow as the current model
is set.
- If you are an
extraordinary minster Holy Communion, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly
and to use the sanitizer in the sanctuary before you exercise the
ministry.
- You are free to
choose to abstain from shaking hands at the Sign of Peace (a bow or nod of
the head is fitting).
Fear is a poor counselor.
We must make our decisions based on good practices and practical wisdom.
Jesus is present among us.
He is the wisest of counselors.
May we open our hearts to hear His invitation to put our trust in Him. He is the Savior of the world. He will guide us through whatever trials we
face and bring us into His Kingdom.
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