During this strange time when we are all in some form of isolation, parted from family, unable to work, distancing ourselves from others, it is perhaps a good time to remember that Lent reminds us of the time that Jesus spent in the desert.  As Christians, it is the hope that we have been given through the resurrection of Jesus that sustains us when times are difficult.

As we all experience our own deserts this Lent, let us remember that just as the seasons reflect the paschal mystery, we too will experience life and light at the end of this Coronavirus tunnel. Nature itself is already showing us how a time of rest, of slowing down the chaotic, unrelenting busyness that has become the reality of our daily lives, can lead to a whole resurgence of health and new life for our planet.

While we all look forward to that time of new life – of getting back to being out, about and meeting others, let us pray that we may be able to retain something of our slowdown.  Let us use these final days of Lent, these days of enforced isolation, to revive our inner selves, to renew our relationship with God, to prepare for Easter and to be grateful for the extraordinary hope we have inherited as Christians through the power of the Resurrection.

*****************************************

Please find below a few resources which might be helpful, 

The Kildare & Leighlin Diocese website provides resources for Holy Week and Easter.

Busted Halo:  Three minute video for Holy Week

Ten Ignatian Tips for Coping with Coronavirus:  from Brendan McManus.

Daily 3-Minute Retreat

On-Line Prayer

https://www.sacredspace.ie

https://www.emmausproductions.com/special-feature/spiritual-comfort-for-troubled-times-holy-week-2020/

https://pray-as-you-go.org/article/pray-as-you-stay-week-1?mc_cid=7c90ef2abc&mc_eid=5117c8bf68