A Crisis of Faith

   For years there have been questions of whether governments and non-believers are trying to destroy Christians and their faith.  I think the question is now settled.  The Coronavirus crisis gave these anti-Christs the opportunity they have long desired.  They literally shut down proper Christian worship using “public safety” as their excuse.

   What concerns me even more is that Bishops world-wide bowed to Caesar, agreeing to shut and lock the doors of our Churches.  In a time of crisis and suffering they deprived their flocks of proper worship and reception of the Sacraments.  How many have died without benefit of a final confession or last rites?  How many longed to go before the Lord in prayer in the holiest of places, His Church, but were denied?  How will the Bishops answer when Jesus asks them why they abandoned His flock when they were most in need?  Why did they leave the brothers and sisters of our Lord to the wolves?

   I’m also angry and disappointed with myself and others who allowed and even supported this blatant attack on our faith.  How could we agree to give up worship but allow Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes to remain open?  How could we shut the doors to Church when abortion clinics were operating at full speed?  We too will have to answer for why we didn’t stand up and demand that we have access to Holy Mass and the Sacraments.

   In my mind there is no longer a question of whether Christianity is under attack; it most definitely is!  The question is whether our Bishops, including the Pope are prepared to fight the battle?  Is closing the Churches and abandoning the faithful during any so-called crisis to be the “new norm”? 

   I think of Saint Damien of Molokai who choose to serve the lepers, knowing it was most likely a death sentence.  I remember the many saints who put themselves at great risk to serve the faithful during plagues, flus, and other deadly crises.  I think of the many martyrs who have given their lives for their faith.  I recall Peter’s statement to the Sanhedrin when ordered to never preach in the name of Jesus, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges.  It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4: 19 – 20).

   May God have mercy on us all.

Lord, look how we have abandoned You.

We failed to stand for You when we needed You most.

Have mercy on us Lord.

Give us a faith that is strong and constant.

Amen