As we met together with joy, seeing each other on our online prayer meeting this week, these scriptures and reflections were shared. Some of us spend this time of isolation alone in our homes and in this solitary confinement it can be hard to not feel a desolation at times. It was shared that in these moments a tremendous consolation is found in remembering ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’ (Psalm 23) ‘I will be with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20) We are never alone as our Good Shepherd cares for us and provides us with ‘new strength’.
During this period of staying at home to protect the vulnerable it is like ‘resting in fields of green grass…being led to quiet pools of fresh water.’ Psalm 23:2 In resting and quiet there is an ever increasing opportunity to ‘listen with the ear of our hearts’ to the Holy Spirit. Jesus redeems every situation and at the end of this time we may be surprised to find ourselves with ‘a new strength’(v.3) a nourished soul.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
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