Change of Season

03-18-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

The date of Easter, is, of course, determined by the first day of Spring. For memory sake, Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon, after the vernal equinox (first day of Spring). I'm sure countless numbers of us are awaiting the passage of winter on Tuesday of this coming week. Then, with keen observation we will be enjoying the abundance of new life springing forth from the earth. Meanwhile, we are continually reminded to participate, not anticipate, so we continue to discipline our minds for the moments in our midst.

We are, after all, in the final weeks of Lent. Our prayer, fasting and almsgiving are intended to prepare ourselves for a more profound celebration of the Paschal Mysteries. So we ought to keep ourselves mindful of the season in our midst which has more to do with our souls and less to do with our yards. Our task, with the Lord, is to continue to immerse ourselves in this season of grace, and with the Lord's help, continue to become more aware of His presence in our hearts, minds and souls.

Consequently, part of Lent is to help us be ready to celebrate, with abundance, the events of Holy Week and the Easter season. Once again, I encourage you to respond to the little voice within yourself which continues to invite you to a deeper relationship with the living God. In response to that voice, you might strongly consider immersing yourself in the liturgical life of the Church which becomes really bold during the days of Holy Week. Responding to that invitation deep within might lead you to filling a seat to enjoy these days of grace; they help define what life in Christ is all about.

Beginning on Palm Sunday, we are invited to invite the Lord deeper into our lives. The Paschal Mysteries then become even more defined as we conclude Lent on Holy Thursday afternoon and begin the Holy Triduum on Holy Thursday evening. Receiving the graces found at the Last Supper, we are reminded of the graces of the Eucharist. Then, on Good Friday, we witness the Passion and death of our savior. On the Easter Vigil we recount the history of salvation through the Word of God and celebrate, with joy, the Resurrection of Our Lord.

The Lord is promising an abundance of new life for those who come often to receive His graces. Provide some intentional prayer time in the days ahead to discover the Lord who is leading you toward a deeper relationship with Himself. We continue to pray for one another and for those, around the world, who will be joining our Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil that we will courageously give witness to His empty tomb and all that means for us.

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