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HOMILIES

16. Homily - Sunday May 10, 2020

Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year A (bilingual homily) Jn 14, 1-12

Draw near to the Lord Jesus.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As you are confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, do you feel overwhelmed? Is your heart
heavy? This could be for different reasons.

On this Mother’s Day, perhaps you remember your mother who died or who lives isolated at
a residence, with you unable to see her in her final moments. Perhaps you wish to celebrate
your mother who is far away, with no way to see her in person.

On the other hand, as we are in a period of confinement, maybe you are worried about what
is going to happen next. With all what is on your mind right now, how can continue to live
with the constraints linked to necessity of physical distancing, with all the precautionary
measures to protect ourselves, yet continue to strive forward?

Saint Peter tells us: “Draw near to the Lord, draw near to the Lord Jesus.”

As we live through this pandemic, the Lord does not leave us alone. He is by our side, he is
with us. He wants to be close to us, and we can call on him. We can learn to ground ourselves
ever more deeply in him.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. To approach Jesus is to approach the one who is the
way, the truth and the life. Not in an abstract way, not a mere idea, but in the concreteness of
our personal life, in our current situation such as in our family, but also in society and even all
humanity.

Jesus draws near. He is the way. He is the way even now, when we do not know at what pace
the present confinement measures can be brought to an end, without undue risk. At which
speed should we deconfine? How do we do this? All we know for sure is that we need to be
more patient than ever.

(cont’d)

Collection of texts by the Most Rev. Christian Lépine 153