Spring Fever

04-10-2016Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

There any number of educators in our region who are delighted in the recent weather and forecasts. Reason being, they do not have to battle with students as much since young people are more content with classroom work when the weather is icky outside. And, as far as work attitude goes, some others of us are also quite comfortable with the weather which allows fewer distractions as we go about our business of getting ready for spring and summer before spring and summer arrive. On the other hand, there are a good many of us who are chomping at the bit to get going outdoors. Those activities may include countless types of recreation. Additionally, those outdoor activities might include some necessary agricultural work. All things considered, we are still in the first half of April and there is potential for harmful weather which could hinder our early growing temptations. So it's our part to calm ourselves down, fight spring fever and do what Divine Mercy commands us… Trust in Jesus!

Frankly, there is a lot to occupy our time during these days of awaiting nice weather. As if reflecting on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday is not enough for a lifetime of pondering, we continue to be in the midst of the joyful season of Easter. Then, we have the daily opportunity to read about the Acts of the Apostles through the daily scriptures. These stories remind us of the work which they accomplished because they trusted in Jesus. Along the way, they were so radiant with the Gospel message that countless numbers of people became baptized and joined the ranks of Christians. We continue to reflect upon our baptismal promises and how we work toward the goal of making disciples of all nations.

During these Easter days, we are given the chance to think about other great moments in our lives as Catholics, including the anticipation of First Holy Communion at the end of the month. While our 2nd graders prepare for this day of grace, we can think about how the Eucharist has changed our lives. Each one of us can consider remembering how special receiving Jesus was and continues to be. Our Church reminds us that a tremendous amount of grace comes through Holy Communion, it's our part to respond to that grace and become greater witnesses to Christ… because we Trust in Him.

There is also time to consider some of the major feasts of the Church which will show themselves in upcoming weeks and months. Among those feasts are Pentecost and Corpus Christi. These days give us a chance to reflect upon the Holy Spirit's power in our lives and, once again, to reflect upon the power of Jesus in His Sacred Body and Blood. Whatever the time, any chance we have to reflect upon the great gift is time well spent. So, while we wait for the nicer weather and the disease of Spring Fever, we deepen our Trust in Jesus. The flowers will spring up, trees will bud, plants will sprout and all other types of new life will once again come from the earth. Like the plants and animals, they somehow know that new life and new beginnings are all part of the circle of life given by our God. In the spirit of the Creation story, we rejoice in that life, and our own and know that each passing day is a gift. Let's continue to pray for each other that the joy of living will be part of our daily interactions and that we each become even more powerful inspirations to one another on our journey of faith.

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