Christ knew that his mission on earth would all come to an end. Hence, he tells Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld will prevail against it.” Hence for twenty-one centuries, the Church has been around and yes, until Christ comes again it will always be around. Further, when Christ was about to leave, He told his disciples their mission, “Go to all the ends of the earth and preach the Gospel to every creature.”

When the whole world is struck with the pandemic, we ask, where is the Church? The life of the Church continues, reminding us of three things. I would like to focus on Matthew 25:

1. The Parable of the Virgins. Ten virgins, waiting for the bridegroom, five were foolish and five were wise. What made the difference between the foolish and wise, the foolish were not prepared and the wise were. Jesus tells us, “Stay awake, for you know neither the day or the hour.” Hence, the Church is reminding us to be PREPARED.
   
2. The Parable of the Talents. Each person has been given different talents. One with one, one with two, one with five. At the end those who made use of their talents, were blessed with more. Those who did not use their talents were sent to darkness, where there would be wailing and grinding of teeth. Hence, the Church reminds us to continue to be a blessing with all that God has lent us – time, talent and treasure.
   
3. Judgment of the Nations. These days remind us of how fragile life can be. How many people whom we have said goodbye to. As a priest, this is something I deal with everybody because we pray for them. Hence we are reminded of what really matters in life: “Whatever you did for one of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Hence, the Church reminds of the reality of ETERNAL LIFE. 

May we continue the works of the Lord, may we continue to persevere, and may we continue to be hopeful. These may be difficult times but God is in control and good will always prevail. We remember the words of the psalmist: In my distress, I called upon the Lord and he heard my voice.