Prayer: Our Best Defense

By Ava Ubowski

Things have definitely changed for the whole world since this pandemic has started. So, how has this affected the Church? Since we’re not able to congregate, every person of the Catholic faith is not able to look forward to receiving Jesus every week as we did before. From a middle schooler’s point of view, I can surely say that the meaning of the Eucharist has changed for me ever since this pandemic started. Before, communion was just kind of some weekly routine that I didn’t really think about as we went to church every Sunday. Now that the pandemic is happening, I’ve had the chance to think about what receiving Jesus’ body really meant to me all those times. I took for granted that Jesus allows me to receive him because he loves me and wants to help me become more holy.

Prayer Unites Us With Jesus

Even though we are not able to receive Jesus through communion, we can pray every day and keep Jesus inside of us in that way. I have been asking for his protection over my family and anyone who may have the virus. If you think about it, these prayers can symbolize the blood that Jesus told the Christians to put above their doorways in order for Jesus to “pass over” them. Like it is said in the first reading on Holy Thursday, “But the blood will mark the houses where you are. Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thus, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you.” (Exodus 12:13) Just as the blood kept them safe from the tenth plague, our prayers will help defend us from harm.

Trust in God’s Plan

We really did not expect this worldwide pandemic to start and we don’t understand why it’s happening. This is just like when Simon Peter was confused as to why Jesus wanted to wash his feet. Jesus said to him in the Gospel of John, “‘What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.’” (John 13:7) I think that if Jesus was still on this Earth, he would say the same thing to us now. It’s true, we don’t understand why this pandemic is happening right now, but one thing we do know is that God has a reason for everything and he has a plan for all of us.

The Power of Prayer

I invite anybody reading this to say a Hail Mary or even just a short prayer any time the Coronavirus crosses your mind. The only things that are in our power right now are our prayers. Even though we may seem helpless, prayers are truly a powerful thing no matter how small they may be. 

About the Author

Ava Ubowski – I am in the eighth grade and my hobbies include arts and crafts, playing outside, and playing instruments or singing. My favorite saint is St. Therese of Lisieux. One thing I love about the Catholic faith is that when I am going through challenges, my Church family reminds me of the ways the Holy Spirit works, helping me become closer to God.