Lenten Reflection Day 34

Ordinarily my family and I would be looking forward to receiving our blessed palm branches tomorrow at Mass as we celebrated the beginning of Holy Week. This year is going to be a little different. I find myself disappointed to be missing out on this great liturgical celebration and I feel let down that I cannot be in the presence of Jesus at such a a poignant time.

Today’s scriptural selection, Ezekiel 37: 21-28, gave me some reassurance. Line 27 says, ” My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.” God is everywhere. Jesus Christ is sacrificed on the altar every single Mass and is made physically present to us in the words of the consecration. And while the priest places Him into the tabernacle after communion, He does not stay there. Having received Jesus sacramentally we bear Him out into the world wherever we go. We are the body of Christ. “My dwelling shall be with them.” God reassures us that we are never abandoned, never too far from His loving and watchful eye.

Reflecting on this reality afforded me the realization that I don’t have to be physically in front of the altar for God to be with me. He knows I deeply desire to be with Him there but He’s reminding me, reminding us, that He cannot be contained. As receivers of the sacraments we belong to Him. As long as we desire to be close to Him, He will not abandon us. If anything, He is closer to us now more than ever as He works to console us during our time of incredible need.

Let us not give in to the anxiety and fear swirling around us right now. Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of the joy of this season. Let us not forget the words of Jesus, “I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” MT 28:20.

Blessings to You and Yours!