Welcome to the start of the new school year! None of us, in our wildest dreams, could have conceived, when we closed our doors in mid-March, that we would still be facing the challenges and uncertainty of this pandemic, but here we are, committed in our resolve, and, no doubt, stronger in our temperament.
This experience has certainly become more of marathon, and not a sprint. We are no longer looking for closure in a few weeks or even months; we have accepted that we will likely be wearing masks and physical distancing for quite some time to come. But, through it all, we have learned to be a bit more patient, a bit less demanding, and a bit more appreciative of little things that make us smile, and that is good. And when we sometimes feel our faith faltering, and we question God’s presence in the confusion, we reach out by phone, by zoom, or by email, to be Christ for one another as we are called to do.
However, being in the presence of other people and community are so desperately needed. Our children thrive on personal relationships, and while they will be able to “see” their friends online this week, we are eager to begin in-person instruction next week. If our Distance Learning Day Camps were any indication of our students’ desire to be back in school, we will have an awesome year ahead.
In Messenger on Friday, Fr. Brent so wisely asked us to “place all of our efforts – teaching, learning, studying, homework and all of our activities – into the hands of Our Lady.” Mary, he said, will be our constant guide as she points us to Jesus. Mary certainly faced much adversity in her life but she graciously accepted every challenge with unconditional faith and obedience. Certainly Mary knows our fears and anxieties, and by turning to her each day in prayer, she will help us to stay strong. Music, for me, has always been a wonderful form of prayer, and some of the most beautiful hymns are dedicated to Mary. I invite you to listen, and pray The Canticle of Mary, set to music by Christian artist John Michael Talbot below.
So today, and tomorrow, and every day that follows, let us commit to the psalmists invocation to “Rejoice and be Glad,” as well as reflect on the words Jesus is said to have shared with St. Julian of Norwich, “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
Holy Mary, Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us.
Deo Gratias,
Kathy
