From the Friars: Testing Positive

By now most of us have probably used a COVID home test at least once or twice. After the fun of using the swab to get a sample, we wait to see if it causes a reaction in the solution and a second line to appear. Following the test reaction comes the emotional reaction of joy or sadness, of freedom or isolation, masks etc. As chemicals can react in ways that reveal many things, such as the presence of a sickness, so our emotions react and reveal truths about our souls, about who we are.

Jesus said, “If you loved me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.” (Jn 14:28) To love means to desire and seek the good of the other. Here Jesus is saying, if you really love me, my going to the Father should make you happy because that is the best thing that could happen to me. So when we think about the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother, it is a test to see how much we really love her. What is my reaction? Boredom? Indifference? Is my first thought to ask if I have to go to Mass or not? Or do I yell “YES!!!” with my arms raised up in jubilation because my Mother has entered Eternal Life and the Glory of God?

There is a beautiful custom in Nicaragua on the Solemnity of the Assumption, and especially on the Immaculate Conception, called La Gritería. This could be translated as The Great Shout. Someone will yell, “what is the cause of such great joy?” Then all will all shout back loudly, “the Assumption of Mary!” or “the Conception of Mary!” This is really testing positive. May our hearts be filled with joy on this Holy Feast Day because the one we love so much has found perfect and never-ending happiness. By the way, it is not a Holy Day of obligation this year. But why not go to Mass anyway?

Peace.

Fr. Peter