Fifth Sunday of Easter

Readings of the Day 

In today’s first reading we hear of the first deacons – reputable, faithful followers chosen to assist the Twelve. I can’t help but wonder what hopes and dreams they had for their new church. Surely they desired the Gospel to spread throughout the world, but could they even begin to foresee the great things to which their faith and humble service would lead?

I have to believe that, even with our sins and shortcomings, they would be proud of how far we have come. Nearly 2000 years later we truly are a global church numbering 1.2 billion faithful. We operate hospitals, schools and charitable institutions such as Catholic Charities. We have the ability to gather people from different communities, states and nations. The Pope can livestream his addresses to the entire world.

This great institution has become our Church because of the faith of many who have gone before us. Faith that even led to martyrdom. Yet how easy is it for us to take it all for granted when Mass and confessions are available daily, Eucharistic adoration is perpetual, and ministries are gathering for weekly meetings.

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our comfortable reality upside down. The impact to our communities is catastrophic. Lives have been lost. Businesses have been closed and downsized, leaving many to wonder how they will provide for the wellbeing of themselves and their families. The pandemic has caused grief, anxiety, fear. It’s at times like these when many would turn to the Church, but even its physical doors are closed.

But even in the midst of the pain and suffering, I have seen beautiful things emerge. The first is a renewed hunger for the sacraments. We long for the day when we can safely gather in our parishes, and I pray that this hunger continues to drive us forward, like those in the early Church, in faith, charity and community. We have also increased our appreciation of the domestic church. With schools closed, parents have served as teachers, catechists and playmates for their children. Families are worshiping together from their living rooms. The strength of the family unit is what many cling to through this storm. Today is Mother’s Day, and I wish all mothers, grandmothers, godmothers and spiritual mothers abundant blessings and renewed strength as they live out their own unique vocation to serve their domestic churches and the Church throughout the world.

Allison Cavazos is the Associate Director of Parish Relations for Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin and a member of the CCUSA Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team. She is sheltering at home with her husband Robert and “chiweenie,” Turq.

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