AN OLD COMMANDMENT WITH A NEW TWIST

It is good to be back doing some of the things we enjoy doing as we continue to slowly reopen our society and emerge from our self isolation. One of the things missing in most people’s lives during this time was not being able to attend church services, in our case Mass. We began celebrating Mass again two weeks ago, earlier than we expected. Originally, we were to wait until phase four of reopening which is due to begin this week. Thankfully, we were given the green light early, however, with restrictions.

Our new restrictions include as we have heard so many times before: “Wear a Mask in public,” “Social Distance,” “Hand Sanitize.” Although inconvenient and uncomfortable, these things have proven our best defense against the coronavirus.

Unfortunately, this week in the news we have been hearing how there are rising outbreaks where these things aren’t being practiced. One news article named churches as places that are the source of increasing cases of coronavirus. This is why it is so important to practice the three restrictions we have been hearing about for months.

One day this week I asked an individual attending Mass to please wear a mask in church to which he replied: “Is that a new Commandment?” I answered, “Yes.” Then after I thought about it I realized it is not a new Commandment. It is part of an old Commandment: “Love Your Neighbor.” If we want to remain safe, then we must do all in our power to keep others safe.

St. Louis has done its best to remain faithful to the regulations put forth to protect the health of all who visit it here. It also depends on every individual who attends Mass to do their part. It’s the most proven way to slow the disease that is still with us and will be with us for the very near future. Thank you for doing your part to protect us all.