The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate serve poor and abandoned people in the United States and 70 countries around the world.

Lessons Learned from COVID-19

Vattmann, TX

Posted on September 8, 2021

By Fr. Andy Sensenig OMI

Fr. Sensenig (L) expresses his joy at getting over Covid, Fr. Tim Paulson, OMI,  (R) is a bit more reserved. This photo was taken outside Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Vattmann, TX

Finally, being tested negative for COVID-19 and enduring 15 days of self-quarantine, I hate to admit it, but COVID-19 did teach me a few things.

  1. Take time for prayer.  Now, mind you, I love prayer, yet when life appears to be busy and exciting, I tried to fit my prayer into my life and that’s wrong.  You fit your life into prayer. So, relax, don’t rush and make that appointment with the One, who loves you best (God) a priority.

You will be glad that you did.

  1. The World put me on the shelf, because of me having COVID-19, which is a good thing, because I didn’t want to infect anyone else, but after testing negative for COVID-19, I will do the World a favor and put it on the shelf from now on.

Putting the World on the shelf means to be more intentional about life. To respond and not just react to situations around you. This means to slow down and focus.

  1. Feed on the good things. That means to take time and look at what you are consuming, and I just don’t mean what kinds of foods you eat, but eating well is an essential element for a good life.

I mean what are you consuming visually, like what kind of books and media are in your diet, are the good for you.

St. Ignatius of Loyola discovered long ago, when he was sidelined by an injury, he found out that he felt better after reading a religious book compared to reading his old favorite, a medieval chivalrous romance novel.

I can affirm St. Ignatius’ findings, especially reading the Bible and COVID-19 gave me the time to pursue it ever more deeply and I will continue to do so after COVID-19.

  1. Appreciate those around you by saying “thank you” more often.

It was edifying to receive everyone’s prayers and help during this time of COVID-19 and the most healing part of it was saying and writing “thank you” each time.

Expressing gratitude to each supportive word or to each gesture of kindness gave way an inward healing that radiated outwardly.

Remember that the most healing event in our lives is the Eucharist and the word “eucharist” itself means “thanksgiving.”

And so, I look forward to joining to you all in that grand remedy for the universe when
I see you at Mass.

Many, many, and many more thanks to you all for all your help and especially for all your prayers.

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

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