Our liturgical calendar this week, like other weeks, takes us to distant times and places. On Monday it took us to 3rd century Rome for the martyrdom of Lawrence the Deacon; Tuesday to 13th century Assisi with St. Clare; Friday it takes us to a German concentration camp during the 2nd World War with Maximilian Kolbe, and Saturday to 1st century Jerusalem where Mary is assumed into heaven. The feasts of the saints take us continually to distant times and places.
Our scripture readings do it too. The Prophet Ezekiel, our first reading this week, takes us to Babylon where the Jews are trapped in exile. The gospel readings, of course, always take us to times and places of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
We’re reminded, I suppose, that God’s presence is “always and everywhere”. There’s no time or place when God is not present. There is no circumstance where God does not give life.
We give thanks for that in the Eucharist.
We need that perspective today especially when life seems stuck in the grips of a pandemic.
God who is present “always and everywhere” is with us now. Our prayers tell us that; we need to listen to them.
“Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.”
The Victor's Place 
To paraphrase Emily Dickinson:
There is no Frigate like a Prayer
To take us Lands away.
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul –
Oh, Father Victor, thank you also for the citation, The Franciscan Tradition, it taught me that Saint Francis prayed so much that he became prayer. With your help, we can each aspire to that Evermore.
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