Where is Christ?

A few years ago, while I was still working in one of the parishes in Western Sydney, the parish priest shared with us his saddest story in ministering to those in loss and grief. At some stage of his priesthood ministry, he had to lead a funeral Mass for the family who lost their baby twins. Children were long awaited precious gifts to that family and unfortunately died suddenly. I remember him describing that it was almost unbearable to walk into the church with two tiny white coffins in the centre awaiting him to start the service. I don’t think anyone can ever imagine the agony and pain this family had to go through at that time. As we were listening to the story, all present wanted to know what did he say back then. He said that he shared with them his feelings that absolutely no -one is able to feel what they feel and many (including himself) can be angry to God for taking these little children away. He also explained that he believes in loving God, who joins them all in crying over the loss of these babies and share the pain everyone is experiencing.

This story came to my mind a few times while watching the news, seeing statistics on a number of people who died because of Covid-19 and footage showing temporary morgues or new graves in some countries. I thought about those who just lost their loved ones and might be going through the worst experiences of their life right now. Too often we really do not know what to say in these painful situations and it is not always obvious that we turn to God for consolation. Instead, we rather blame Him for the events and ask where was He when bad things happen. At times when we do not know where Christ is, He is probably the only one we can turn to in order to find peace in our hearts.

All those stories and images lead me to the Biblical story of Jesus’s disciples who experienced a total emotional rollercoaster journey from the Last Supper, through the Olive Garden, Crucifixion on Golgotha to the Resurrection day. They must have felt an overwhelming loss and grief, maybe even anger. Where is Jesus, who promised to be a redeemer and whom they saw dead on the cross? – is an obvious question. I would imagine them crying, feeling abandoned, scared and lost. All of these feelings and more till He appeared among them and proclaimed very personally to each one of them: “Peace be with you”. And even then the world did not magically change around them, but they did. They found Him understanding all what they have been through. They have found peace in their hearts.

As we celebrate this Holy Week and Easter 2020 in isolation, away from our loved ones and our places of prayer and worship, I hear some people saying that we do not have enough faith if we close churches, because no one will get sick if going to Jesus. While I symphatise with people’s desire to be closer to God in these difficult times and receive him in the Eucharist (I do, too!!), I ask myself one question: Where is Christ? Limiting God into places of worship is truly limiting Him as Almighty and the One who gave his life for us. He is in YOU and ME. He is crying with the lonely and elderly at home. He is consoling those who lost their loved ones and those who are worried about their family and friends. He is in the people struggling to work from home while homeschooling their children and those who lost their jobs. He is in those who struggle with depression and anxiety. He is in those who help others simply because they can and do! He is in our bedrooms when we pray the rosary and connect with our churches online! He is in our kitchens when making bread or cookies. He is in our homes while we clean. He is in messages sent and receive to lift up our spirits.

His grace is ENOUGH. He is God. He is ALIVE. He brings PEACE into our hearts.

May God bless you, may Angels protect you and may Covid avoid you.

Sr Grace