We have been both separated and united in the most extraordinary manner as a Faith and Light family over the past few months. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. We have had very few fiestas or gatherings; have had few informal meetings; have greatly missed one another’s smiles and cheerful greetings; have been unable to come together and celebrate in the usual manner. This has been a great loss and a great sadness for each one ofus. And, yet, the Sacrament of Encounter has never been so significant at it’s most profound level. Firstly, our encounter with JESUS, He is the One who is ever present to us and accompanies us intimately as we journey this isolating and sometimes lonely journey He is the PARACEL TO US – the One who answers our cry. He is accompanying us every step of the way. He is in our hearts and on our lips. And, secondly, we are blessed that we are enabled to encounter ONE ANOTHER through our presence heart to heart. During this time of waiting let us hold each other in loving care by our prayer for one another. Nothing can separate us from the love of God made visible in Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).
The new ownership we take of this lived experience is the deepest BLESSING of the challenging time. Let us inhabit the BLESSING with quiet joy until we meet face to face again.
Beannachtai Fr. Niall – National Chaplain