In so many public places nowadays we see bottles of hand sanitizers for public use. The pandemic has caused many of us to be very aware of cleanliness. Whether it is a bank transaction we do, or credit card machines we finger-tap, or groceries we touch, sanitizers offer chances to immediately clean off any contaminants and start fresh. Small chances to start over, to refresh, to be clean again are good, whether it be on a physical level or even a spiritual level.

With regard to the spiritual life, for example, we read in the Letter of James,

   Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners,

   and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (4:8)

At the beginning of Mass, after the greeting, the first prayer we say is a prayer of penance. We consider our past sins and ask forgiveness, so we start our Mass with a sort of conscience sanitizing. In fact, even before that, as we entered the church, we might have dipped our fingers into the holy water font and blessed ourselves so as to start fresh. We end the Mass with a new start as the celebrant gives us the final blessing.

Think about it. Would it be helpful to frequently review our interactions with others and try to “clean up” our possible sarcasm or uncharitable remarks or our not-so-loving afterthoughts? It is not that we are so terrible, but with the speed of modern technology and ease of communication, it is easy to come up with fast responses that are not always so loving. Perhaps we should sanitize a little more often and freshen up with kindness and understanding.

   Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,

   O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

A few nights ago, my husband and I were asleep in bed when, all of a sudden, I was awakened by a chirping sound. Every 30 seconds or so, I heard a chirp in the dark hallway. Ah! The smoke detector battery was dying, and it wasn’t going to go quietly. My husband’s hearing is poor, so I woke him and asked him to take the detector down from the ceiling and relieve its distress. Neither of us was happy about the untimely chore. Everything ended well, but I was a bit annoyed about being awakened. As I lay there trying to get back to sleep, I thought a little more about the trivial incident. It really is a good thing that the detector alerts us when the safety device cannot perform its function. Safety first, sleep later!

On that same night, Buddy, our elderly cat, decided not only to jump up into bed with us, but to jump again, onto our headboard whose upper edge is only about two inches wide. Have you ever watched a cat as he estimates distance before trying a jump to a certain height? Well, Buddy was considering the third phase of his caper, likely to the cluttered top of our chest of drawers, when I grabbed him and gently changed his mind. He was thinking farther ahead, but so was I! I could imagine the clock, the lamp, and a great number of pocket treasures sent flying if our “Feline Wallenda” had his way! In that case, I had to think farther and fast in that room lit only by the minimal glow streaming through the windows from the outside streetlight.

In Chapter I of the Acts of the Apostles, we learn that Jesus stayed among his followers for 40 days after his resurrection. After all his suffering, wouldn’t we expect Jesus to choose to go straight to heaven to be with his Father? Jesus continues to love us.

In Matthew’s Gospel, we read that the risen Jesus told Mary Magdalene and her companions not to be afraid but to go tell his brothers that they would see him in Galilee. (Matthew 28:10) And when Jesus saw his disciples, he assured them that he would be with them always and commissioned them to make disciples in every nation, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all his teachings. (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus did not want them to be fearful or feel alone. He loved them.

In the episode described in the passage from Mark’s Gospel read at Mass today, Jesus told his followers to go in to “the whole world” to proclaim the Gospel and, in his name, drive out demons, heal the sick, and speak in new tongues—all of this in spite of whatever dangers that might challenge them. (Mark 16:15-20) Disciples have Jesus’ promises of signs, miracles, and safety because they have Jesus’ love.

In the famous passage in Luke’s Gospel, we read about Jesus explaining Scripture to two disciples as they walked to Emmaus. He wanted them to open their hearts and understand. He loved them. (Luke 24:13-35) We read a few verses later that he also helped the eleven remaining apostles to understand the scriptures after telling them all to be at peace. (Luke 24:36-49) Again, Jesus commissioned his disciples to witness to the good news of salvation. He told them he was sending what the Father has promised—the Holy Spirit. Understanding. Hope. The promise of help. What love!

We all are aware of what I call “last times.” For example, if a coworker is retiring from a position, and is not a personal friend or neighbor, there is a chance that will be the last time you will see that person. If an acquaintance is moving far away, you might not see that person again. When you have finished a college course, you don’t plan to see the teacher again. You hear about an actor who is ailing, and you conclude you may have seen him on the big screen for the last time. Your teenager just passed her driving road test, so you may have been her regular driver for the last time. Or how about the last time you changed your little child’s diaper, because now he is potty-trained?

I know, some “last times” we don’t miss, but others come unexpectedly, and we are sadly surprised. A lesson we try to learn is to savor the good times and experiences with special people. We attempt to muster up the energy and wisdom to bring our best selves with us into our everyday interactions. Unplanned “last times” can lead to regrets if we aren’t careful.

When we read the story of Lazarus (John 11:1-45), we know that Martha and Mary, his sisters, and all the friends and neighbors would have thought that they had seen last of Lazarus, because he had died. However Jesus called him forth alive from the tomb four days later. In today’s gospel passage, we read of Lazarus in attendance at a dinner given for Jesus in Bethany. Obviously, Lazarus had not yet eaten his last supper.

I am of the age that I remember singers Andy Williams and Dean Martin. Just the other week, I heard Andy crooning “Moon River” and Dean warbling “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime.” There is no mistaking their famous and distinctive voices. Of course, that is true about many people’s voices, whether they be singing or just speaking.

Sometimes I wonder about Jesus’ voice. Was it very loud, because he often taught big crowds outdoors? Was it usually calm—except when he was driving money-changers from the Temple or reprimanding the Pharisees or Sadducees? Did it sound authoritative? Just imagine how it sounded when he cried out at the tomb, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)

As Holy Week approaches, with the reading of the Passion of the Lord, I cannot help but think about the sound of the crowd’s voices yelling,” Crucify him!” Was Jesus losing his voice after the terrible scourging they gave him?

The people heard the voice of God the Father at Jesus’ baptism, proclaiming, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:7) And at Jesus’ Transfiguration, which we recently read about at Mass, the Father again said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5)

When I pulled into the parking lot at 5:56 a.m., there were very few cars there. That was good. I needed a routine blood test, and I had not made an appointment, so I wanted to get in line as soon as the door opened at 6. All at once, some cars started pulling into the lot, so I decided to get out of my car and get in line by the door. A fellow drove in as I started to walk to the door, but he was faster than I was. He got out of his car and walked over to the building in front of me. I was a bit annoyed, because I was really there ahead of him. Hmph! I did not say anything, but I was a little annoyed. I had to think again. The difference would probably mean only about a five-minutes wait.

When I previewed the gospel reading for tomorrow’s liturgy, I saw a parallel. In John’s Gospel (5:1-16), we learn that Jesus was at a pool at the Sheep Gate, known in Hebrew as Bethesda, where many ill and disabled people gathered. Jesus spoke with a crippled man who had been lying there for a long time. He had been sick for 38 years. The man was waiting to be put into the pool, hoping for some relief, but he said that he had no one to put him into the pool, and that when he tried to get there on his own, someone would always get in before him. Sound familiar?

Well, Jesus did not have to think twice. He told the man to pick up the mat on which he was lying and walk. This occurred on the Sabbath, and his fellow Jews told the man that he should not be carrying his mat. Jesus had healed on the Sabbath and had told the man to carry his mat. Were there two Sabbath violations, two more excuses to persecute this healer?

Have you noticed how time flies by, even when a pandemic and bad world news seem to bog us down? It is time to look at the calendar and plug into some hopeful thoughts.

Easter, with all its Resurrection hope and joy, is less than a month away. We still have time to take advantage of the opportunities for repenting, forgiving others, and resetting our priorities where needed. No matter how crazy this world can seem, Jesus offers all of us chances to start over and come closer to him.

In a few days, we will celebrate the hopeful feast of the Annunciation. Despite her age, the teenager, Mary, humbly believes God can do the seemingly impossible and allow her to become the mother of his Son. In the glow of the archangel Gabriel’s presence, she looks ahead with generosity and hopeful, faithful submission. If she could trust God’s will at her young age, how can we doubt that God will see us through any challenge?

In the Sequence prayer on the feast of Pentecost, we hear that the Holy Spirit is the best of comforters and our soul’s most welcome guest. This same Spirit is coolness in the heat and solace in the midst of woe. The Spirit has many gifts to give us, so we need to be receptive all the time, not just at Pentecost. The Third Person of the Blessed Trinity is a healer, a purifier, a guide and shining light to help us combat worldly despair.

In about nine months, on Christmas, we will celebrate that the miracle promised to Mary was made manifest. What hope can we nurture in this gestational time? Can we prayerfully encourage ourselves and others to nurture trust in God’s mercy despite the tragedies in this world? Can we grow love and generosity in our hearts and minds so that we offer saving help to others in need?

While some people may be thinking of Irish jigs at this time of year, a figurine that has been hanging in my house for years has offered me a bit of blog inspiration about another kind of dancing. I purchased the figurine at a Home Goods store. The card that came with it informed me that the ornament, named Possible Dreams, was inspired by the painting, Dance at Bougival, painted by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1883. As the couple dances above my head in my bedroom, I think about the dance of life and the various possibilities dancing affords.

I think you would agree that dancing offers a wonderfully different dimension to what we do every day—stepping. People usually dance to music, so there is a rhythm established and a pace set. The whole person is involved, and if you have a partner, coordination and interaction make for a smooth flow of movement, whether it is a fast or slow dance. If we are solo dancing, we still keep moving as we integrate various dance patterns. Dancing can be refreshing, exhilarating, and just plain freeing.

We are not all limber enough to dance all day long. Not every day do we feel happy enough to dance our troubles away. However, if we ask Jesus—even figuratively—to dance with us, we will find a partner that is faithful and loving, and who will keep us moving in the right direction as we enjoy a holy rhythm.

In this world full of turmoil, we can turn to our Blessed Mother for help in praying to Jesus. The Rosary is a very useful tool, and the Mysteries of the Rosary are wonderful reminders of the great events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

With the war waging in the Ukraine, I suggest praying with what I call five Miracle Mysteries of the Rosary. We recall just a few of the numerous miracles Jesus worked. A short meditation or prayer is added after each mystery. Of course, you can add your own thoughts and prayers.

Jesus heals the paralyzed man lowered through the roof. (Mark 2:1-12)

Mother Mary, pray for all those victims who are paralyzed with fear as they flee the ravages of war or shelter in place in their homeland. Ask your son to give them strength and courage to get through the challenges of uncertainty and danger.

Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus. (Mark 10:46-52)

Holy Mary, help us to see the needs of our brothers and sisters. Ask your son to open our eyes to ways in which we can assist people experiencing trauma and abandonment. Show us ways of feeding all who hunger and thirst for food and for freedom.

Jesus heals the woman who suffered with hemorrhages for 12 years. (Mark 5:25-34)

Gentle Mother, pray for us as we strive to assist those who are injured or sick in war-torn countries. Pray with us that Jesus will be especially merciful to those women and mothers who are engaged in the struggle or who are fending for themselves, their children, and elderly relatives as others defend their homeland.

Jesus heals 10 lepers and only one, a Samaritan, thanks him. (Luke 17:11-19)

Queen of Heaven, help us to be grateful for all our earthly blessings and for the best blessing of all, our Savior, your son. Jesus loves and heals people of all races and nationalities, and we pray for that same attitude of inclusivity. Mary, pray for open minds and open, softened hearts so that hostilities can end rapidly.

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb after four days. (John 11:1-14)

Blessed Mother, your son died so that the doors of heaven would be open to us for all eternity. May those who have died in the invasion of Ukraine find eternal life with Jesus. Please ask your all-powerful son to help those who suffer to rise up with hope and trust in God..

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