There are limitless ACTS OF KINDNESS that have only happened because of the spread of the coronavirus. On March 25th the National Catholic Reporter published Acts of Kindness from their readers along with comments on how their faith has helped them to deal with the crisis. Here are some of them —
In what ways, if any, has your faith helped you to deal with the crisis?
While the world is changing minute-by-minute, I have found solace in the Lord’s consistency. I’ve also discovered a newfound appreciation for his creation. Small things like the rustle of leaves in the wind or the smell of rain bring me comfort.
CORINNE KENNEDY
Memphis, Tennessee
A business associate of ours has a family of four and had only three rolls of toilet paper left, with none to be had in her community. My sister-in-law, who works in a nearby town, had access to 80 rolls. From 300-plus miles away, my husband connected the two, who had never met each other and they made the exchange this morning. That’s community supporting each other; it brings me hope and enlivens my faith in human nature and the goodness we all have inside of us.
In what ways, if any, has your faith helped you to deal with the crisis?
I pray more, and more fervently. I miss not being at Mass but I am reading Lenten reflections, which keep me focused on Christ’s sacrifices. Mine are miniscule in comparison.
MARY E. FREEMAN
Olean, New York
In my neighborhood, at 6 p.m. sharp, everyone in the neighborhood comes to the curb in front of our homes and waves at everyone else. This involves about 100 people. It is fun to see our neighbors and we exchange happy greetings with one another.
DAVID WARREN
Sacramento, California
Having lived in the same house for 42 years, my husband and I are so very grateful for the sense of community within our little cul-de-sac. Some neighbors have been here longer than we have. We give each other a sense of stability. The younger folk have taken an all-hands-on-deck attitude to help us. Young college-age children who grew up on the block are being called back from their studies as far away as South America. We take a secret joy in having our community together.
With that said, I cannot dismiss our financial and health worries. I used to attend daily Mass, so I miss my church community tremendously. But it is wonderful to enjoy daily walks and seeing parents play and interact with their little ones. For now, the simple joys of life far outweigh the difficulties.
In what ways, if any, has your faith helped you to deal with the crisis?
The sense of the body of Christ that I used to only feel at church is becoming evident within the communion of saints in our community.
CARMEN HARTONO
Oakland, California
We’ve seen a neighbor post a sign inviting any shut-ins to call her for grocery delivery or any other help. We’ve sent cards to nursing home residents. Playing card games and watching funny TV shows keeps us happy!
ERIN LOTHES BIVIANO
New York, New York
I am 81 years old and often require the use of a cane when walking. The other day, I went into the supermarket. It was bright and clear immediately after sunrise when I entered. While I was inside, one of those drenching showers started outside just as I exited. I was walking slowly with my groceries when a young woman came over and told me she would help me load the groceries into the car. I refused, but she persisted. We were both drenched as she walked away thanking me for allowing her to help.
HUGH J. BURNS
Sarasota, Florida
My sisters have reached out to me by phone or e-mail and/or I have done the same for them (we are all over 60, two of us in our mid-80’s). I call old friends in towns and parishes where I lived before moving to Springfield. We have long, warm phone visits. A brother-in-law took me out to grocery shop about a week ago, which has been helpful.
In house, employees bring me my meals and always have a nice smile and ask if I need anything I hadn’t included on my choice list. It all helps to feel connected.
In what ways, if any, has your faith helped you to deal with the crisis?
I meditate for 30-60 minutes at the beginning of each day, recently using some thoughts from Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr to focus, along with contemplating the trees beyond my apartment window, now beginning to green out and flower. I also pray morning and night.
CAROL J. GRIESEME
Springfield, Missouri
What ACTS OF KINDNESS have you done or witnessed in the past two weeks? In what ways, if any, has YOUR faith helped YOU to deal with the crisis?
I would especially love to hear from you and how you are doing along with your comments, questions and suggestions. My email address is: medardlaz@aol.com. This is the address I check throughout the day.
Please listen to my Daily Treats on my Podcast. The email I send you each day has the title of the article underlined. Please click on the underlined title. You will then see the picture for the day along with the article. Just click on the triangle in the little green circle next to the Treats for the Soul logo and you can listen to the Podcast for that day…..
My Prayers are sent your way!
Fr. Med Laz
