On Valentine’s Day, I made a blunder which turned out well in my favor. I was forced to take two hours off early from work due to my misunderstanding of time-in-lieu from the Chinese New Year holidays.
Leaving work at 4pm, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to attend Mass with my beloved before the start of our simple Valentine’s date.
Lo and behold, just after evening Mass, Father Benedict announced grimly that Masses in Singapore were suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. Our hearts broke and we became so upset. (Looking back, I could see how God’s hand was at work, allowing me an opportunity to attend Mass for the last time until the suspension lifts, for which I’m deeply grateful.)
Suspension of Mass is a huge deal for Catholics, because we are not able to receive Jesus into our lives physically through the Eucharist.
Nonetheless, I think this will be a period of spiritual union among all Christians in Singapore, as we unite in prayer to battle the invisible evils of the coronavirus that has been plaguing the world.
Lord, have Mercy on us!
