First off, no civil leader has the authority to close churches. Period. Northan can rage all he wants. This is still the USA. Governors are making arbitrary decisions of what businesses are "essential." Liquor stores are essential, Pot stores are essential, Abortuaries are essential. Churches, not essential (cue GIF of angry Greta Thunberg).
The bishops, on the other hand, absolutely have the authority to close churches and cancel services. For the most part they have done so. This is problematic. Apparently the bishops don't feel church is essential. Nor do I see the USCCB pushing back and arguing that churches are more essential than abortuaries and pot shops. Instead I see more complaints about money, and pleas to give online than I see complaints about closing doors. In my state there are multiple lawsuits from industries who consider themselves essential but were deemed non-essential: gun stores, gun ranges, bicycle repair shops, phone stores, livestock feed businesses... but not a word from the bishops that public worship is essential. What do you believe is most important?
Before the lock down began in my area, our bishop gave dispensation from attending Sunday mass for those affected by the virus, and asked vulnerable people to stay home. The mass that I attended that week had less than one third of the usual number of attendees (my estimate - I don't have official numbers). We were all able to "social distance" effectively. I don't see why a church that holds 1200 people now can't hold more than 10 for "social distancing." I could fit 200 people in there and the place would still look empty. So why not?
My church is still open for Adoration (which is being held in the 1200 seat portion of the building). This is a blessing, but surprisingly the numbers of people there are no more than usual, maybe less than usual for Lent. But again, no problem social distancing. We are also open for Confession. However, many churches are not offering Confession and I've read some are denying the Extreme Unction (aka Anointing of the Sick) in some cases. These are absolutely essential, and should be employed even more now, rather than less.
The question for our bishops, and for society as a whole, is "what do you believe is most important?" If you believe that Confession actually forgives sins, and people need to have their sins forgiven, then you will offer Confession. Likewise Extreme Unction. If you believe that it is all a sham to make people feel good, then of course, don't expose people to any danger by providing these. Likewise, if you believe the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, then by all means masses should be celebrated. If not, who cares if churches are closed? Some parishes are offering outdoor masses, where the faithful attend in their cars. I don't see why that isn't being practiced wherever possible, yet most dioceses don't seem to be permitting it. What do you believe is most important?
Non-religious people say (and some Catholics falsely believe) that they cannot get the virus by receiving the Eucharist. That is not true. But just as I would stay by my wife if she were sick with the virus, even though I could catch it from her, I would risk going to mass, even if I could catch the virus there. Of course such a statement brings immediate scorn from non-believers. What right do I have to engage in behavior that could use up valuable medical resources? The same "right" you have to engage in behavior that could use up valuable medical resources, like homosexual and other "risky" sexual acts, smoking (tobacco or marijuana), tattoos, piercings, etc.
" If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chron 10:13-14
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord,
“Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;And rend your heart and not your garments.”
Now return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness
And relenting of evil." - Joel 2:13-14
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