April 2020

Dear Ones,

I am often inspired by the writings of Fr. Richard Rohr in his daily meditations. Here are two of his important messages during this difficult time I want to share with you.

"Globally, we are in this together. Depth is being forced on us by great suffering, which ... always leads to great love." It certainly does for those who have embraced the Lord's Gospel and for all those of good will in our world. We must make sure that our response to the pandemic leads to greater love. Go deeper into your spiritual life. Learn from this moment. Use social distancing and its resulting increased solitude to grow in Christ.

The second message is this: "We are all subject to this crisis. Suffering has an ability to pull (us) into oneness." Mister Rogers' mother once told him that when a crisis comes, be sure and look for the good people because they always appear. A whole phalanx of very good people ha e appeared among us.

I am gratified for the outpouring of volunteers from the parish who are offering help. From our live-streamed services, to a zoomed Paraklesis, Morning Prayers, and Virtual Coffee Hour, to those who have offered to shop and deliver groceries and cook meals for those who are particularly in need (call the Church Office for more information). With the volunteers we have now, we can cover the entire greater Boston area. Of course, we welcome all volunteers and new ideas. I love this quote from Simone Weil. "Everything which originates from pure love is lit with the radiance of beauty." Let us fill this world, that now threatens to descend into despair, with beauty by our love.

As long as we are permitted, we will continue to celebrate and stream the Divine Liturgy and Medayah. Please join us online on Fridays and Sundays. If you would like to receive Holy Communion sometime during the week, please let me know by calling Bob in the office and we can make a convenient appointment to do this for you.

The Holy Angel told the Theotokos not to be afraid. To that message I can add only this proviso. Be cautious. Take care of yourselves and your families. Pray for one another. let us be people who wed faith with reason.

With great affection,
Fr. Antony