You may have had one or more Covid tests and maybe even a rapid test. But all of us have been undergoing spiritual Covid testing whether we want it or not. For us who are Catholics, for the most part, we in this country have been dispensed from obligatory Sunday Mass attendance. What this means is that as Catholics we are required by church law to participate at Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days unless we are sick or are prevented from attending by other extenuating circumstances. This obligation has been temporarily lifted during this pandemic. There-in lies the test.

The third commandment, “To Keep Holy the Lord’s Day,” however, remains in effect because no bishop can dispense from God’s law. It is our fervor and love for the Lord that is being tested at present. Some people are truly fearful for their health and very rarely venture forth from home these days, and so, have not stepped into a church since March. Still there are unlimited opportunities to participate in Masses on TV or on the internet, no one is prevented, even at this unique time, from fulfilling the Third Commandment at least in spirit.

On the Feast of Epiphany we hear of the magi arriving at the stable to adore the new-born King of the Jews. King Herod, with assistance from the Jewish leaders, was able to direct them to Bethlehem to find Jesus. In this event we see three different ways people responded to the news of Jesus’ birth, similar to how people respond to Jesus today. The magi went to great personal sacrifice to adore Jesus and present their expensive gifts. The Jewish leaders responded to the news with indifference. They made no effort to seek out the Messiah. And Herod ends up trying to destroy this Holy Infant. To a great degree our culture today is represented by Herod, seeing Christianity as a threat to “progress” and being eager to stifle its influence. The Jewish leaders, in their indifference to our Lord’s birth, represent many, many people in our country who have no interest in religion and do not practice. The magi represent the committed Christians who, pandemic or not, remain faithful to the practice of their faith as they are able to at this time, still giving worship to God out of sincere love for Him. The spiritual Covid test exposes the depth of our love and commitment to Jesus.