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Pope pens preface to book on hope in the Covid-19 pandemic Pope Francis writes the preface to a new book entitled “Communion and Hope”, and encourages everyone to rediscover solidarity amid the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic.
By Devin Watkins
In a book preface released on Monday, Pope Francis reflected on the lessons Christians have learned from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Communion and Faith” was prepared by Cardinal Walter Kasper and Father George Augustin, and contains theological reflections from various authors about “witnessing the faith in times of coronavirus”.
“The coronavirus crisis took us all by surprise like a sudden storm, changing our family, work, and public lives in an instant and everywhere throughout the world,” he wrote.
Many people, he lamented, have lost loved ones, as well as their jobs and financial stability. In many places, even Easter was celebrated in an unusual and solitary manner, and people were left unable to find solace in the Sacraments.
Finding roots of happiness
“This dramatic situation,” wrote Pope Francis, “has exposed the extent of humanity’s vulnerability, inconsistency, and need for redemption.”
The pandemic has also forced us to question the roots of our happiness and to rediscover the treasure of our Christian faith, he added.
“It reminds us that we have forgotten and overlooked many important things in life, and it makes us reflect on what is truly important and necessary and what is less important or only appears so.”
Solidarity in times of trial
The Pope called this “a time of trial and choice” which gives us the chance to reorient our lives toward God.
“The crisis,” he said, “has shown us that in emergency situations we depend on the solidarity of others, and invites us to put our lives in their service in a new way. Global injustice must shake us in order to wake us from our slumber to hear the cry of the poor and of our planet which is seriously ill.”
Easter victory over death
Pope Francis went on to reflect on the meaning of the unique Easter that many Christians were forced to celebrate alone.
The Easter message of Christ’s victory over death, he said, showed Christians that we cannot remain paralyzed in the face of the pandemic.
“Easter gives us hope, faith, and courage. It reinforces us in solidarity,” said the Pope. “It tells us to overcome past rivalries and to recognize that we are all members of the wider human family which surpasses every border and in which each individual carries the burdens of others.”
Contagion of love
The danger of contagion from a virus, added the Pope, should teach us how the “contagion” of love passes from one heart to another.
“I am grateful,” he said, “for the many signs of availability for spontaneous help and heroic work of healthcare professionals, doctors, and priests. In these weeks we have felt the strength that comes from faith.”
Eucharistic fasting
Pope Francis said the initial phase of the pandemic forced governments to ban public Masses, leaving many Catholics to undergo a “painful time of Eucharistic fasting.”
“Many people have experienced the Lord’s presence wherever two or three are gathered in His name.”
He said online Masses were an “emergency solution” for which many were grateful. “But virtual transmission cannot replace the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharistic celebration.”
The Pope expressed his gratitude that Catholics in many parts of the world can return to a normal liturgical life.
“The presence of the Risen Lord in the Word and in the Eucharist gives us the strength we need to confront the difficult problems that await us after the crisis.”
Renewed hope and solidarity
Pope Francis concluded the preface expressing his hopes that the book will help people discover “new hope and renewed solidarity.”
“The Lord will accompany us in the journey with His Word, and through the breaking of the Eucharistic Bread He will tell us: ‘Do not be afraid. I have overcome death.’”
About the book
“Communion and Faith” was published by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV) in the original German in June. The Italian version was released last week.
Cardinal Walter Kasper is the president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
In 2005, Fr Augustin founded the Walter Kasper Institute, which is part of the Philosophical-Theological University of the Pallottines at Vallendar. He also serves as a consultant for the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, as well as the Congregation for the Clergy.
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28 July 2020, 14:30
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