Yesterday, everywhere I looked, there were signs that spring is here. In the morning, while sitting on my porch, I spotted two mature flies on the screens, the first I’d seen this year. The side garden has green shoots promising crocus and tulip blossoms in a few weeks if the bunnies leave them alone. There are buds on some of the branches. And last night when I was sitting on my porch before bed, there was a moth flitting about the outdoor light. I must admit I appreciated the signs of spring, of new life; it’s been a long, difficult winter.
And I thought of this commercial I’d seen recently for the University of Phoenix with the punch line “The Clues Are All Around Us” courtesy of a prophetic figure on the town square holding a cardboard with the words written in black magic marker. Indeed, yesterday, the clues were everywhere that life goes on and that seasons change. And right now, the blessings of spring and new life surround us. It is no accident that this is also the season we remember what our LORD has done to give us life in abundance.
As we continue our observance of Holy Week and the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us take the time to contemplate the love that brought it about through selfless sacrifice. Let us consider the salvation from the Father, through the Son, and in the Spirit that is offered to us and the LORD’s desire for us to be free of death and sin and open to life in abundance with our LORD. Let us also spend some time reflecting on our own need for that salvation and the fact that our sins were among those for which Christ offered himself as atonement.
Everywhere we look, there are signs of the LORD, our creator, savior and sanctifier. Let us take the time during this holiest of weeks to notice, to take it in, and to commit to the life the LORD desires for us as Children of God, disciples of Christ, brothers and sisters in faith, and temples of the Holy Spirit. Let us turn to the LORD with praise and thanksgiving and seek the grace to embrace this gift and live it this day and all days.
Until tomorrow, love well.
Please continue to pray for peace especially at this time, this holiest time of the year. Pray that the LORD will send the graces necessary to defeat the evil being actualized in the brutal and barbaric war against Ukraine and its citizens.
Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You seeking your help in building world peace and in ending the violence and aggression of Russia against Ukraine. Show us the way to restore a world order that honors others’ freedom and that unites us as one humanity. Make us witnesses of justice and love so that we might be agents of your will and defuse the division and defeat the hatred. Grant that your will may be done here on earth as in heaven. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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