Big Changes for Us All

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we do many things - from how we shop to how we work and go to school. Even the way we worship God has changed. All part of an effort to keep people safe and healthy.

Some of the changes in the way we celebrate the liturgy, while unsettling at first, can also be opportunities for us to examine what we do and why we do it. For example …

Think about our recent celebration of Ash Wednesday. For health and safety reasons, we sprinkled blessed ashes on top of the head, instead of rubbing them on the forehead. The ashes left no visible sign for others to see. Perhaps this was an opportunity to reflect on the inner changes demanded by true repentance. Changes seen by God alone.

Another obvious change comes at the Greeting of Peace during Mass (when we can get there). Masked and socially distanced, we no longer extend a handshake of peace to those seated around us. Maybe we are being challenged to find other ways, in everyday life, to express our hope for peace and communion with those around us.

During these pandemic days Communion on the tongue is forbidden for health and safety reasons. Communion in the hand is the order of the day. Difficult for some, this practice protects both the communicant and the minister of Holy Communion. This may be an opportunity for us to re-think what’s really important. How we receive Holy Communion, or how we live our communion with Christ in the nitty gritty of everyday life.

At this point in time the public celebration of Palm Sunday remains a question mark. We don’t know yet if we will be able to distribute blessed palm branches or to carry them in procession. Health and safety restrictions will be the deciding factor. Maybe we can reflect instead, on different ways to acclaim Jesus as Messiah and Lord.

Liturgical changes necessitated by the pandemic can be difficult for us to adapt to. But, at the same time, they are opportunities for us to grow in our understanding of what we do, and why we do it. They challenge us to delve into the heart of the mysteries we celebrate. God turns all things to the good for those who love him. In all things we are blessed!

Msgr. Paul Zimmer
Pastor, St Clement Catholic Church, Etobicoke