WISDOM NOT FEAR DETERMINES OUR FAITH RESPONSE TO H1N1 FLU.........

On November 5, Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto, issued diocesan directives regarding liturgical and worship practices in light of the flu season, and prevention of the spread in particular, of H1N1 flu. Precisely, temporarily suspending reception of the Precious Blood by the faithful, not holding hands during The Lord's Prayer, and not shaking hands or embracing, during the Sign of Peace. These steps are being taken as a precaution out of wisdom, and not fear. Faith and fear are incompatible opposites. We believe in a benevolent, gracious, God and not a vengeful, disease inflicting, Supreme Being. Therefore, we do not adapt the sacramental and ritual practices of our Catholic-Christian liturgical worship lightly. The outbreak of H1N1, swine flu, is however very real, as St. Mel's Parish in Fair Oaks, can attest from an occurrence there earlier this year. The Sacramento County Public Health Director recently prevailed upon the County Board of Supervisors to declare a state of emergency regarding dealing with the H1N1 situation. So it is very sensible that as Catholic-Christians we wisely respond to the current situation, not because we are afraid, but being sensitive to not spreading the possibility of H1N1. Persons who are sick are not obliged to attend Sunday or Holyday Mass, thus further lessening the spread of illneses. In the whole of the Holy Bible, the words repeated most are, "Be not afraid", and "Fear not". And so, as we enter the cold and flu season in coming weeks, let us embrace the wisdom of sound and sensible practices, in church and out. Not out of fear for contracting swine flu, but to prevent colds and flu from unnecessarily occurring. So dust off your best liturgical nods and greetings, as we continue to communally pray, worship, and minister, faithfully without fear and in fidelity to our Gospel values as Believers.........Fr. Troy Powers