March 30 - What, if anything, positive is coming out of this forced retreat? For one, it has slowed us down. The pace is visibly more relaxed. While everyone keeps their distance, we are eager to talk, to end our isolation. Second, we’re paying attention more to the elderly especially those alone. Parishioners are calling them and checking to see if they need food and meds. Third, people are praying more by themselves. When we don’t have a scheduled Mass that we show up for, it depends more on us to initiate the conversation with God. More people are even dropping into church for 5 minutes before the tabernacle. Fourth, we are conscious of the financial struggle faced by our waitresses and restaurant owners. Hundreds are losing their jobs and now their plight has thankfully become a worry of ours. Fifth, likewise, the nurses and doctors who dedicate themselves to tasks that are often grimy and menial are people we lift up in prayer. Parts of this mandated hibernation will be boring and frustrating but already, we are seeing flowers of faith and gratitude sprouting.