Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.  —Matthew 25:40.
 
As a Faith Community we need to do all that we can to help those who our suffering from the coronavirus pandemic here on Tybee, especially those who have been laid off from their jobs. But this crisis also provides an opportunity for people around the world to unite in solidarity.  Cardinal Peter Turkson, who heads the Vatican office for Promoting Integral Human Development agrees.  He said, "For each person, believer or nonbeliever, this is a good time to understand the value of brotherhood, of being linked to one another in an indissoluble way,".
 
This is a time for human solidarity. We all need to pull together. It is essential to carry out the practical requirements to limit the spread of this virus. It is also important as Catholics that we share God’s love in a concrete way with our neighbor. This includes care and solidarity for the global community who face this crisis with far fewer resources than those we have here in the United States.
 
This can be a time to take an honest look at our faith journey. Most of us have had times in our lives when like Thomas in today’s gospel our doubts were greater than our faith. I pray that this will prove to be a time when we grow stronger in faith and closer to God.  So, let us earnestly pray for healing, for the continued efforts to relieve human suffering, and for perseverance throughout these challenging times.
 
As history records these moments for our country’s future, let us pray that, in the face of COVID-19, we respond with an abundance of hope, gratitude and solidarity, trusting in the loving and ever merciful God, the source of all hope.  This is a time for human solidarity.        We all need to pull together.
 
Catholic means universal and the Church is leading the world-wide effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus.  Caritas Internationalis, made up of 165 Catholic relief, development and social service agencies working in almost 200 countries, is mobilizing to help countries suffering due to the pandemic. Most of the member agencies are relief and development agencies sponsored by national bishops' conferences, such as the U.S.-based Catholic Relief Services.
 
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and aids people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  The Catholic faith that shapes the agency influences how CRS provides aid.
 

• CRS works passionately on a global scale to contribute to a more just, peaceful and prosperous world.
• CRS uses innovative approaches to meet the world’s toughest humanitarian problems.    
• CRS is committed to the pursuit of the common good and focused on delivering sustainable solutions that create lasting impact.
• CRS is approachable and accountable to its partners, donors and the people they serve.
• CRS serves those people in greatest need and is inspired by their potential and opportunities for positive change.

       
I thank you for your Easter generosity to our offertory.   I am grateful that for so many, your continued financial commitment to the church is a priority.  Now, it is very easy to contribute online at the top of our website.  
Lord Jesus, you heal the sick.  We pray that the coronavirus that has affected so many in our world can be contained, controlled, and cured.  We lift up to your mercy all those affected, all those working hard to study and cure this illness, and all health care professionals and emergency management teams that are working day and night to keep us safe.  Help us, Lord, to trust in your merciful care.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.  Amen.