Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel tells of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They came to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Yesterday, Mary recognized Jesus when he spoke her name. In baptism, Jesus calls us by name. We are baptized as we are addressed by name. With our First Communion we are called to eat the Body of Christ. Our Communion with the Lord completes and sustains the relationship established in Baptism. Would that we could all be sustained by the Eucharist now. Just because we cannot physically receive Communion does not mean that we are ex-Communicated. We can make a spiritual Communion. I hope you have all found and are saying this prayer:

My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

I contacted the Archdiocese and clarified that we can continue to have outdoor Adoration. We will do that this Sunday. I am watching the weather, though, since there is a chance of rain. I will send out a mass e-mail on Friday with the final schedule.

The number of cases in Maryland can’t seem to level off. Keep praying for all those infected and those who care for them. Our two zip codes, 20772 and 20774, are among the top zip codes for infected people. Please observe social distancing. We can hope to be back together soon.