Dear Parishioners,
Fall is now upon us. The leaves of our trees are turning color, some in a brilliant kaleidoscope of beauty. Eventually, the leaves will fall to cover the ground. Nature is telling us a story about life and death. Later in spring, it will complete the story when new leaves appear and our trees will be full of life once again. It all reflects the Paschal Mystery, Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. The Church recognizes how nature, indeed all of creation, proclaims the glory of God (cf. Psalm 19:2).
The Liturgical seasons also reflect God’s creation. As we pass into winter, the days get shorter. When it is dark, we reflect on the Star of Bethlehem and celebrate the coming of the Light who is Christ Jesus. About this time, our days start to become longer. Easter comes at a time when new life is coming forth, spring. I know that many would love it to be summer all the time. For me, I enjoy the changing of the seasons. I mourn the loss of warm weather, but now more than ever, I am glad to see God’s creation bring clouds to water the land and give snow to the mountains. What season do you like the most? Can you see the beauty in each season?
Nature has dealt us many blows from fires, floods, storms, and earthquakes. Those are physical evils, yes. Yet even despite the destruction and death they caused, God is always at work. In each of the many tragedies that have befallen us, God has inspired people to heroic virtue and acts of sacrificial love. How did you feel last weekend as the rains returned to our parched land? I welcomed it. For me, God gave a renewed appreciation of its importance in our lives. Our air was washed clean from the smoke that has plagued us, and I could see our surrounding mountains. I assumed local fires were impeded by the precipitation as well.
If you haven’t thought about this or find some seasons more difficult than others, ponder on the life of Christ and how each part of his Paschal Mystery can be reflected in creation. Then pray that God will inspire in you a deeper faith to see the beauty about you, regardless of the time of year. May we, as stewards of God’s creation, ask our Lord to give us a renewed vision of the beauty and gift of our world which God has given us. May we, in turn, be mindful of our attitudes and actions which help protect or harm our local and global community. May such acts of appreciation and stewardship give glory to God!
Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor