March 20

Readings for the Day: Hos 14:2-10, Psalm 81:6-11, 14, 17, Mk 12:28-34

Today’s Gospel reminds us of the top two commandments. Love God with everything you’ve got. And love your neighbor as yourself. We all need to be reminded of the second commandment-now more than ever.

Panicked people are hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and sardines. Okay. Not sardines. (Just wanted to see if I could cause a sardine shortage.) They aren’t concerned with people who might need what they already have too much of. Then, there are the people who are taking this lightly. They are fighting their boredom by setting up parties for themselves or their kids. They don’t think they’ll get sick and aren’t giving a second thought to the elderly and vulnerable they might infect.

The most insane story I’ve heard was about a nurse who was headed to the hospital in extra scrubs. She stopped for something she needed and was punched in the face by a frantic woman who yelled at her for spreading germs. I wish I was kidding. Friends, everyone deserves dignity, but healthcare workers deserve our prayers and admiration more than anyone in a time like this.

Love your neighbor as yourself. Pray a rosary for someone. Pick up the phone and call whoever you haven’t spoken with in too long. Write that heartfelt thank you email that you’ve been meaning to send. Forgive someone. Ask someone for forgiveness. Have your children draw pictures for people and send them over social media. Hold hands with your spouse while you enjoy a drink at sunset. Come up with your own idea, but love your neighbor as yourself.   

In a time of quarantine, we can still be Christ’s hands and feet.

As we have lost our weekly collection income, we can only maintain our current staff for a limited time without your help. Please spread the word and sign up for auto-pay or make whatever donation you can at https://www.ezekielgiving.com/App/Giving/oloj