"Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me." - John 15:4 

The survey asked whether the COVID-19 pandemic weakened my faith or strengthened my faith..  It was definitely food for thought. 

It's easy to get lax in your faith.  As restrictions increase and fear persists, we find other ways to spend our regular Mass time.  Watching live-streamed Mass at our convenience instead of gathering as a community can become a new norm for many. 

On the other hand, as the pandemic continues and staying at home is common, many have lengthened their regular Mass time by adding spiritual reading or uplifting religious programming to their weekly or daily routine. 

Psychologists and theorists can cite many examples of scientific behavior modification in people.  Here's two theories for consideration: (1) Classical (or Pavlovian) Conditioning, which refers to a learning procedure in which two conditions linked together produce a new learned response in a person.  (2) The 21/90 Rule, which states that it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change. 

We've all had months to change our behavior due to new learned procedures and habits  Have you remained on the vine or separated from it? 

Now it's your turn.  Take the survey. 

This is not intended to be a debate about whether the team logo should be changed or not, or whether the baseball team should be renamed or not, or whether the logo/name is a sign of racism or not. 

What it is intended to be is seen in the picture above:  love of country over tension in our country. 

In a similar way, the Holy Cross can be seen as an instrument of torture for hardened criminals, or an instrument of salvation for triumphant souls.  As Catholics, we rejoice in the glory of the Lord as we face the crucifix and all of the good that it beholds. 

As you reflect on the picture above, and the striking contrasts on display, remember the Holy Cross.  Just as there was victory in the Holy Cross, we have trust and confidence that our country will prevail over injustices and the violence that grasps it. 

"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." - John 16:33