2nd Week of Lent 2020 - Friday - God brings good out of evil, even viral pandemics

On this Friday of the second week of Lent, we hear the story of Joseph betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers. Joseph foreshadows, certainly how Our Lord was betrayed by Judas and sold for the price of a slave—30 pieces of silver.

If we were to read on in the Old Testament, God brings good out of this great evil. Joseph, sold into slavery, would go on to serve in the house of Potiphar, but then, he would be falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. He would be imprisoned for this accusation, but while in prison, his penchant for interpreting dreams, would lead to his release, and employ by the king of Egypt. He would become so influential in Egypt, that when his brothers come from the holy land to Egypt seeking food in a time of extreme famine, he is able to provide for them, and is even reconciled with them and his father. He is in the position to save their lives only because of the evil he suffered. God brings good out of evil.

Similarly, in the case of our Lord, through the evil he suffered, his rejection by the religious leaders, his betrayal, imprisonment, torture, mockery, crucifixion, and death, God would bring about the greatest good.

Perhaps, as the deadly effects of the Coronavirus spread throughout the world, we might consider what good might God be bringing about in our midst. Perhaps the conversion of those who face mortality; thinking perhaps, how to prepare their souls for eternity—for more serious than any earthly virus is unrepented sin. Certainly, we have seen the international scientific community working together for a vaccine, and the use of media to dissipate errors and panic and to spread truth. Perhaps, the Lord gives the Church an opportunity to show the world what generosity and selflessness look like.

We recall that the ways of God are mysterious, but also that God is in charge, even in the face of great evil. And that great evil cannot hinder God in bringing about greater good.

May we keep calm and carry on the work of the Gospel in the face of every evil, not cowering in fear, but trusting that God has given us the way to eternal life, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the season of Lent may bring the most hardened hearts to repentance and bring to all people purification of sin and selfishness.

For those preparing for baptism and the Easter sacraments, that they may continue to conform themselves to Christ through fervent prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

For the Holy Spirit to guide the appointment of our next Bishop—that he may be a man of true faith and courage.

That we may generously respond to all those in need: the sick, the suffering, the homeless, the imprisoned, and victims of violence. And for all victims of the coronavirus and their families, and for deliverance from all pestilence.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.