February 7.  Sunday 5B.  Participating in an on-line Mass had become a norm for very many people during the time of COVID-19 with different levels of lockdown but also with much suffering.   Many families had experienced infection, some hospitalization and some deaths until people’s emotions were deadened. Not being able to gather as a community was painful as they missed the support of others, but for families at home who could participate in Mass on-line and take some time to share and pray together it had also added a new supportive dimension to their spiritual lives.   “I wish we could combine these two ways, when things are OK again.” “If that ever happens.” “Hope never dies, Jesus understands all our pain.”  These were some of the thoughts they shared.  

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.  And he healed many and cast out many demons. Mk 1:29-39.  

Pope Francis:  If a family is centred on Christ he will unify and illumine its entire life.  Moments of pain and difficulty will be experience in union with the Lord’s cross.   Moments of joy, relaxation, celebration and even sexuality can be experienced as a sharing in the full life of the resurrection. AL 317