What happens when your faith and health come into conflict? Ep. 143

What do you do if God has commanded you to do something that could
put your health and even life at risk? This is the wrenching
question faced by thousands of Jewish women who visit mikvah’s,
small, public pools, which women immerse themselves in as part of
the purity ritual after having their period. Unlike the obligation
to attend Mass on Sunday, this religious requirement cannot be
dispensed or suspended. Emma Green, a staff writer at The Atlantic,
spoke with some of these women about their struggle to reconcile
their fidelity to God-given laws for sexual purity and their desire
to keep their families and communities safe during the coronavirus
pandemic. We ask Emma about this story as well as her insights into
the reopening of houses of worship, how the pandemic will
permanently change religious practice in the United States and the
role of churches, synagogues and mosques in helping the nation to
mourn. In Signs of the Times, on the fifth anniversary of the
promulgation of “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis called on Catholics and
all people of goodwill to join him in a yearlong period of prayer
and action for the protection of the environment. Next, in an
interview with America’s national correspondent, Michael
O’Loughlin, Dr. Anthony Fauci says even as churches reopen,
Catholics should not receive Communion in either form for the time
being. Finally, we talk with Angelo Jesus Canta (former Jesuitical
engineer and graphic designer) about what he has learned from
participating in lay-led, at-home liturgies during the coronavirus
pandemic.  Have you taken up new spiritual practices during
this time of quarantine? Tell us about it on Jesuitical’s Facebook
page. And if Jesuitical has been an important source of information
or nourishment for you during these trying times, please consider
becoming a member of our Patreon community. We can’t make the show
without your support. Thank you.   Links from the show
Orthodox Jewish Women Are Facing an Impossible Choice Right Now
Nuns vs. the Coronavirus Pope Francis announces year of reflection
on “Laudato Si’” and prays for Catholics in China Dr. Anthony
Fauci: To keep churches safe, use masks, limit singing and wait to
resume Communion Learning to love lay-led liturgies in quarantine
(while missing the Mass)   What’s on tap? Pineapple Gin &
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