A Light in the Darkness

March 23, 2020

As this photo depicts, for the first time in over 100 years, the grounds and buildings of the Malvern Retreat House lie quiet and empty. Even as the cold bare trees seem to envelop us, an illuminated St. Joseph is seen guiding Jesus in his work as a carpenter. With the global pandemic of the COVID-19 virus, most of us are now working from home and navigating the “new normal” of virtual classes for our children, practicing self-imposed quarantines, and trying to digest mounting news stories of societal calamities.  As people of faith, however, we recognize that there is always a greater power. Throughout all of history, God has always shown Himself in times of crisis. In Psalm 91, King David wrote, “You shall not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Nor pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon”. David tells us, “Say to the Lord, my refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust”.

The Spanish mystic St. Teresa of Avila wrote, “Nada te Turbe”, which translates “Let nothing disturb you”. She goes on to say, “Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God Alone Suffices”.

So let us take that to heart. In the days, weeks and months to come, no matter what comes of this virus, recognize that God knows our situation, our fears, our anxieties, all our needs. Let us pray for one another. Let us reach out to someone. Let’s let go of resentment, forgive a deep hurt. Let’s take this time to grow closer to our spouse, our children, our family, our community; to turn this into an opportunity. While Malvern is temporarily closed, we can all make a personal retreat this Lent to reflect on His blessings, restore our priorities, and recognize God’s light in our lives.

By Juan Guerra