[This message repeats below in English]

“Despiérta, tú que duermes; levántate de entre los muertos, y Cristo será tu luz.” (Efesios 5:14)

Este texto de la segunda lectura del cuarto domingo de cuaresma nos invita dejar lo mundano y lo inútil de la vida que nos ha causado ser dormidos espiritualmente, y conseguir lo que da vida al espíritu—llevándonos a una relación mas profunda con Dios quien siempre extiende su mano a nosotros.

La amenaza mundial del coronavirus ha causado todos nosotros cambiar nuestra rutina diaria para proteger nuestra salud y la salud pública. Muchos de esos cambios nos hacen incomodos y quizás ansiosos; pero lo hacemos porque no hay otra opción.

Mirando otra vez a las palabras de Efesios, en el contexto del espíritu de la cuaresma que la Iglesia experimentamos, es posible que los cambios puedan ser una oportunidad enfocarnos de nuevo y: “arrancar las cosas que son inútiles y que son de la oscuridad y aprender lo que es agradable al Señor”. (vv.10-11)

Crecemos en el espíritu cuando deseamos seguir al Señor, y no cuando las circunstancias nos obligan cambiarnos. Es el camino que Dios nos presenta. Si fuésemos obligados contra nuestra voluntad, vamos a volver a lo anterior cuando la emergencia pasaría.

Que la experiencia de una cuaresma vivida en circunstancias extraordinarias nos lleve a la Cruz de Cristo para ver la vida y la luz de su gloriosa Resurrección. Sigan rezando por la Iglesia por el mundo, y especialmente por la salud y bienestar de los feligreses de Parroquia San Pio V; y aunque estamos separados físicamente, quedamos unidos en Cristo.

Que Dios los bendiga.

— Padre Tomás

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” (Ephesians 5:14)

This text from the second reading for the fourth Sunday of Lent reminds us to consciously put away the mundane and unnecessary things that have made us spiritually drowsy and to acquire that which is spiritual and life-giving, which will lead us into a deeper relationship with God who reaches out to us.

The global threat of the coronavirus has caused everyone to alter our daily routines to protect ours and others’ health. Many of these changes make us uncomfortable and even anxious; but we do them because we don’t have a choice. Looking again at Ephesians and the spirit of Lent the Church is living, perhaps these new routines can be a way to re-focus ourselves and “root out what is fruitless, and learn what is pleasing to the Lord”. (vv. 10-11)

We grow spiritually when we desire to follow the Lord, not when circumstances oblige us to make changes. This is the Lord’s way. If we are compelled against our will, it is likely that we will return to former ways once the emergency has passed.

May this Lent–in the midst of extraordinary circumstances–bring us to the foot of the Cross and see the light and life of Christ’s glorious Resurrection. Pray for the Catholic Church throughout the world, and especially for the health and well-being of our members at St Pius V, who–though we are apart physically–remain united to one another in Christ.

Your donations to the church at Mass on Sunday are very important to the life of St. Pius V parish. Our church cannot continue without the Sunday collection that keeps our buildings clean and well-maintained, pays our staff, supports programs like religious education and the food pantry, and more.

We know these are difficult times for many families. If you are able, we ask you to strongly consider continuing your weekly donation to the Sunday offertory. You can click on the box below to safely and securely make your donation to St. Pius V parish through GiveCentral. Please consider a recurring gift that automatically repeats every week or month!

Thank you for continuing to support your parish!

The statement from Cardinal Cupich is available here.