Spiritual tips during our forced exile

    

We have experienced shock, disbelief, sadness, grief and loss. Tears have and will be shed, for we are living in trying times. 
    

And so, in this time of separation and uncertainty, as we create a new normal with family and work life, no Masses, home schooling, social distancing, enhanced cleanliness and self-quarantines, I offer three tips for spiritually connecting during the days ahead.
 

Spiritually connect by serving others. How about picking up the phone to call, text or use social media to contact an elderly relative or friend? The simple act of checking in, saying hello and offering a listening ear might be one of the greatest gifts that we can offer each other. With the help of technology, we can choose to be present and attentive to each other. And, if you gave up social media for Lent, maybe it’s time to reconsider, for the good of the people who need to hear from you?
 

Spiritually connect by seeking beauty. How about taking a walk outside and marveling in the wonder of creation? The simple act of gazing at a beautiful oak tree or the signs of spring blooming in our midst draw us into deeper connection with our loving Creator. If you’re not able to get outside, how about marveling at images of places and people you love? We might be distancing, but in the depths of our souls we are growing closer than we ever have been before as we navigate these vulnerable times together as a community of faith in solidarity with people suffering across the globe.
 

Spiritually connect by saying prayers. How about creating your very own hand-washing prayer? It can be a practical help to assure that we complete the full 20 seconds of rigorous hand washing. I’ve been using: “Creator, allow me to place my trust in you.” Repeated 10 times it makes the 20 seconds go by quickly and creates new space for prayer time. 
    

And, if you need more than 20 seconds, how about virtually joining a Mass or another prayer opportunity? Just search for Taking Mass Online at nolacatholic.org and you will find lots of possibilities or tune into the televised Mass on WLAE-TV daily at 12:05 p.m. and on Sundays at 11 a.m. 
    

We are a Christian community. Let’s stay spiritually connected while practicing social distancing. Let’s remain grounded in Christ, guided by the Spirit and directed toward hope.
    

We will continue to rise above the challenging times, demonstrating the best of what makes us most distinctive as a community of faith.
I was consoled by this reality when a first-year student moving out of one of our campus residence halls put it this way: “We are going to make it through these hard times and come out stronger on the other side of this mess. Surely, we will, since we’ve got faith and each other.”
    

Please know that the people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans are being remembered in a special way in the prayers of the Loyola New Orleans Jesuit community at this time. We will look forward to welcoming you to campus when we can be united again physically. Until then, we are spiritually connecting with you through Christ.      
    

Jesuit Father Justin Daffron is vice president for mission and identity at Loyola University New Orleans. He can be reached at [email protected].