HOMILY: 3 ^rd Lenten Sunday.2020 – CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
 
Indeed, the whole world is shaken, shocked, confused and bewildered over the current health pandemic that is threatening our lives. We are aware that this has already caused so much pain, anguish and trepidations throughout the whole world. Still, there are so many unknowns and questions. No one seems to know the answers just yet.
 
Here at St. Ann’s, we too do not have the medical cure, neither do we possess the expertise on how to contain, curtail and prevent the spread of the virus. Because we do not have them, let us then leave the finding of the cure to the scientists. Let us leave care of the sick to the medical professionals. Let us leave the creation of order and enactment of regulations to our leaders and authorities.
 
What we do not have, we cannot give. But what we have we will give! What we have here in our church is something so powerful, tried and tested to be very effective ever since the world was created. We have Prayers!
 
We never underestimate the power and authority of prayers. That is something that we have, something we can do, and something we can give as our contribution to appease the confusion, pacify the chaos, ease the pain, soothe the anguish, and provide peace in our hearts.
 
As we allow and trust the experts and authorities to do their part, let us aid them with our prayers.
 
For us, let us always act in charity. Always be mindful that when we do things they also affect others. We try to be careful not to catch anything, we should also be careful not to spread anything.
 
Most importantly, we allow Jesus, Our God, to come to us in these times of our needs. Let us all call out to Him to help us and guide us through these challenges the world is facing.
 
……. As a parish family we will pray together a shortened version of the prayer recommended by our Bishop on this pandemic at all our Masses; weekend and weekdays. At this point, may I ask you to please kneel if you can, otherwise you may be seated. Let us pray:
 
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Lord Jesus, at your command, the sick were made well! Come to our aid now, in the midst of the Global spread of the Corona Virus, that we may experience your healing love.
 
Heal those who are sick with the Virus. May they regain their strength. Heal us from our fear, which prevents us from working together and with one another. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. 
 
Stay by our side in this time of uncertainty, sorrow and fear. Be with those who died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in peace. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry or grieve, defend them from illness and despair.
 
Be with the medical professionals who seek to heal and put themselves at risk in the process. Be with the leaders of all nations, give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the wellbeing of everyone. 
 
Lord, Stay with us as some of us mourn, as many of us try to endure, persist, struggle and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
 
Lord Jesus Christ, Heal us and protect us. Amen
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.