The Times Are A’Changing –BECAUSE THEY MUST!

Today I invite us to consider the number “40” as part of our hope not only to recover from the pandemic but for substantial change in our world, especially to let economics SERVE THE PEOPLE, no the people serve economics . It’s time.

We have approached or are approaching (depending where you live) the 40th day of Quarantine. 40 is a number worth contemplating. What follows is a portion of a Reflection sent to me by Goddaughter Veronica DeFeo:

A group of theologians thinks the number 40 represents “change”. It is the time of preparing a person, or people, to make a fundamental change. Whenever the number 40 appears in the Bible, there is a “change”.

The flood lasted 40 days.40 years Moses fled Egypt.40 days Moses stayed on Mount Sinai to receive the Commandments.Exodus lasted 40 years.Jesus fasted for 40 days.

40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth.Optimum number of weeks for human gestation is 40.

The Latin root of the word “quarantine” is “forty”. Please know that during this “quarantine” rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less theft and murder, healing is happening, and most importantly, people are turning to Christ. The Earth is at rest for the first time in many years and hearts are truly transforming.

Remember we are in the year 2020, and 20 + 20 = 40. Also, 2020 is the year of the United States Census. Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, was born during a census.

Lastly, 2020 is perfect vision. May our sight focus on the Lord and living according to His perfect vision for us knowing He holds us in the palm of His hand.May these days of “quarantine” bring spiritual liberation to our souls, our nation and our world.

James DiLuzio

About James DiLuzio

Father James DiLuzio is a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Paulist Fathers, the first order of Catholic priests founded in the USA. An emphasis of the Paulist mission is to "Give the Word a Voice in the 21st century, " i.e., to keep the sacred scriptures in dialogue with the diverse panorama of American culture. Father DiLuzio’s missions and retreats provide tools for faith communities to relate biblical dynamics to their own lives. His work fosters collaboration among parish staffs and parishioners to intrigue non-observant relatives, friends and co-workers to the many advantages of conversing with our biblical heritage and becoming part of a local parish. All tools are multi-faith sensitive and respectful of participants' thoughts and feelings.