Sundays without Mass

A post from Fr. James Martin, SJ 

Dear friends: A Sunday without Mass is unthinkable for millions of Catholics. Yet out of prudent and pastoral concerns for everyone's safety in the time of coronavirus, most Catholics are unable to participate in the Mass on Sunday. But there are many ways of worshiping our Lord today.

First, many archdioceses, dioceses and parishes are livestreaming the Mass. A quick online search will lead you to them, for example, the Archdiocese of New York's Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral.https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/live

Second, there are many excellent online video reflections on the Sunday Gospel readings, which are posted every week, including by Catholic Women Preach
https://catholicwomenpreach.org

And by my brothers at The Jesuit Post https://www.youtube.com/watch…

Also, there are many good audio (and written) reflections on the Gospel readings of the day, sponsored by Catholic organizations and media outlets, like at America Media: https://www.americamagazine.org/…/…/11/word-lent-reflections

Third, you can always pray about the readings on your own. In today's reading (Jn 4), where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman, try to place yourself in the scene imaginatively. Try some Ignatian contemplation: https://www.youtube.com/watch…

Fourth, even if you're unable to attend Mass, you might try calling another person and sharing your experience of God over the week. Or talk about what today's Gospel readings mean for you. That is, try "faith sharing" as a way to build up community, and support one another.

Finally, remember that the Catholic church has always had the tradition of "spiritual communion," where even if you are unable to attend Mass you can participate spiritually. Here is St. Alphonsus Liguori's prayer on Spiritual Communion to end with:

"My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.

"Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.

"Never permit me to be separated from You."

Amen.