Psalm 89
R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
“I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
That my hand may be always with him,
and that my arm may make him strong.”
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.’”
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
REFLECTION: " For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."
In the National Catholic Register(1) there was an article of a young priest who risked his life to give the last rites to a patient. The patient was dying of a chronic illness and had tested positive for Coronavirus. The patient was alone, bewildered, and abandoned as he was without family around him. All his family was far and wearing PPE (Personal protective equipment) watching their loved one die alone. The Coronavirus patients are the untouchables, no one wants to nor tries to go close to them without protective gear.
The New Jersey priest knew that the man needed a last touch of humanity. And so this brave priest, took off his gloves and goggles and proceeded to anoint the forehead and the hands. And with soft words spoken and the silence of the moment, the dying man could now go home "singing the goodness of the Lord".
This young priest knew what and who he was. Many dioceses have trained teams of priests who deliver the Viaticum in a safe, respectful and reverential way. Father Mullane stated that the ability to adminster the sacraments during COVID-19 outbreask has called him "deeper into Christ's high priesthood. We are going to do it as long as we are healthy, and there is a need. It's just what priests do."
We thank God for courageous priests, not only physically brave, but who work their best for another soul's safe trip home. This is why we have PAPA. We pray for priests to be the best they can be in the service of the Lord. Please join in praying the Prayer for Priests. and the Divine Mercy Novena.
God Bless You
(1) National Catholic Register May 10, 2020
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