Deacon Modesto Cordero can be seen second from left during this year’s Good Friday service on a livestream feed. (Screenshot)
I AM A DEACON
These days have been challenging as we were exposed to an unseen but, in many ways, a very visible crisis. Every part of our existence is being tested — our humanity, survival skills, relationships and faith.
These past weeks have made me reflect on how many changes I have lived through, from watching the first man step on the moon to huge advances in technology (computers, laptops, iPads, flat televisions, microwaves, cellphones, electric cars, etc.) to natural disasters and medical breakthroughs.
As an ex-military man and civilian working for the Department of Defense, I lived through the beginning of the war in the Middle East and the horrendous events during and after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. I was able to share all these moments in our history with many acquaintances, friends and family members. Together we laughed and cried. Even during the panic and fears of 9/11, we had each other’s shoulders to cry on and arms for hugging.
I never thought there would be a time in my life where isolation and “social distancing” would become the normal way of living. Even if this is a short isolation — and I am still not completely alone as I am sharing it with my loving spouse — this crisis has made the unthinkable a hard reality for all of us.
As the director of the Diocese of Honolulu’s Office of Worship and a deacon, I never expected that part of my job description was going to be coordinating livestream Masses due to the need of closing our churches for the protection and safety of our faithful. It was a task that became more challenging because of the liturgical time of the year we were entering — the end of the Lenten season and the beginning of the Easter celebrations.
As a Hispanic, my childhood memories are filled with numerous hours spent at church during the Lenten season, especially Holy Week. We looked forward to the celebration of Palm Sunday, receiving our palms and waving them at Mass; the Holy Thursday celebration revisiting the moment in which Jesus washed the feet of the apostles; the long and very vivid Good Friday processions; and the majestic entrance of the Easter Candle into a dark church on the Easter Vigil. Most of all, I lived these experiences with friends and family.
Yes, it was sad not to revisit those experiences this year, but I am grateful for all our human advances and technology that prepared us, perhaps unintentionally, for this time. Instead of us going to church, the “capital C” Church came to our homes, which became their own small churches. Thanks to the magic of livestreaming and social media, we were able to celebrate—apart from each other but together in spirit—those great moments of the life of our Christian faith. Our spirituality was challenged yet enriched knowing that no matter the distance, separation or venue we are still one big family in Christ.
Yes, these times are challenging and we don’t know for how long this is going to be our way of worship. We hope that soon we will all be together under the same roof, singing, laughing and crying.
Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to reflect in his ministry and then, after a painful death, into a tomb for three days. But after those isolated experiences, he brought to the world a new beginning, a greater change. Let’s use this opportunity of distancing from each other to reflect on our past, present and future lives. Let us rejoice in Christ because with Him everything is possible!
