March 19… I chose this date to write a reflection, not because I had already read these scriptures and they had spoken to me, not because it was the feast of St. Joseph and not because it was the only date available, but simply because it was my mother’s birthday. She was a woman of unwavering faith who lived a challenging and grateful life until the age of 95. She often regretted that she was not familiar enough with the bible and had made it her goal to read it from start to finish. So, in gratitude for her great example, I attempt this reflection…

All three readings speak of the promised relationship between God and his people and how this will continue forever. “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me” (Samuel), “Abraham believed…hoping against hope that he would become the father of many nations” (Paul), She will bear a son… and he will save his people” (Matthew).

These passages seem clear enough, right? –  God loves us and is with us for eternity. Yet, the challenge to us in these unsettling times is to maintain this unalterable belief in his love and presence right now as the world shudders in uncertainty. Challenges often come with opportunities. Despite the ever-changing situation of the rampage of the corona virus, there are numerous new opportunities to deepen our relationships with God and with others around us. Restrictions on activities and recommendations to not gather in groups make it easier to stay home with family, to have more time to reflect, to pray, to re-evaluate priorities, and to reach out to others -who may need groceries, who may need clarification about precautions, etc. etc. etc. As we seek God during these days, we may also feel his presence as others reach out to us.  Even the natural world offers us assurance that God’s ongoing presence is real– the sun (Son) still rises daily, the stars still shine behind the daytime sky and daffodils are blooming.

As Abraham and my mother both believed deeply in the presence and plan of God, I hope we may also receive the gift of faith this Lenten season.