Now Let Us Share

I don’t make it to Mass very often. However, I did this morning. I’m not a Good Catholic, but I embrace and appreciate, the Mass and rituals therein. That’s why I was saddened today at a change made out of fear. 

One of my favorite moments of the Mass is the offering of Peace. After the Priest extends the Peace of the Lord, the congregation returns the sentiment to His Spirit. Then, in days not so panic filled, we are asked to share and celebrate this Peace with our neighbors. Not today. 

We blew by any notion of sharing a hand shake, fist bump, kiss, hug or punch in the arm so fast that no one so much as looked at one another. 
I understand the precaution, I really do, but give me a break. 

I shook off my momentary, contemplative outrage and continued to pray for our collective soul. I asked for forgiveness of my sins and requested any nudge possible towards the doorway of being a better person.  I kneeled with Mom and Dad and saw them both at different ages kneeling next to me. Felt Dad enter my body.  Judged that feeling for half a second and heard a voice tell me that our souls have always been mingled.  It brought me back to the deeper intention afforded by our sharing the Peace of the Lord with one another.

As the Mass came to an end and we prepared to “go in Peace” though we hadn’t offered each other any…, the Priest saved the Bishop. He acknowledged that the directives given with regards to health precautions might be a little extreme (Are you listening Austin? ). Then he added the nugget that moved the needle. 

This (existence) is not just about, or for, any one individual.  Every action we take, or do not, has a lasting impact on those around us. When we act on anything of significance, with a myopic, me only view, we run a risk of harm to others. His duel message, “Sermon #2” as he labeled it, left much to individual interpretation.   

While many surely took the words that described his central theme literally, I was listening to what wasn’t said. In my heart, it sounded like this:

We were granted the opportunity to participate in this Grand Parade we know as Life. With that privilege comes responsibility.  The Duty to be the best human being you can be.  It is as simple as washing your hands to keep yourself well and therefore your Brothers and Sisters. As complex as, Opening your eyes and really Seeing those around you. Act with intention and remember that doing nothing is indeed acting. The silent sermon highlighted those points and everything in between. 

We are human.  We get absorbed in our own universe often. It is as inevitable as the rotation of the earth. The first lens I put on any situation is selfish.  A view I often never get past before rushing to action.  Daily, I ask for strength to be a better person. The courage to open my eyes and understand that the Butterfly Affect is real. For each step I take forward, I trip and sometimes fall twice that many times. Of this, I am painfully aware. All I can do is bounce back up, wipe the dirt off my knees and smile at the next face I see. 

Peace Be With You
William Joseph Nelson 

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