Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24)And that is why I hope that we all begin to refer to this time of crisis as the COVID SPRING.
Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29)I’ve been amazed at how every single Sunday the readings can be applied to this COVID Spring experience. Whether it’s Jesus telling the disciples to “not be afraid” on the day of the Resurrection, to giving them his “peace” and telling them to “not let your hearts be troubled” – each Sunday has given us much food to nourish our hope. And that makes sense because Christianity is a religion of hope. We hope for everlasting life; we hope for the Resurrection; we hope for peace; we hope for wisdom, for growth, and for life. Ultimately, we know that Jesus Christ is our hope. The Christian can’t but proclaim hope. Yet in times like these, it is so easy to fall into despair. Despair is the work of the enemy. We must always respond to every crisis with hope – even if we don’t feel it. I think we've seen that from so many during this COVID Spring. Hope is not wishful thinking: “I hope it doesn’t rain this afternoon.” Hope is the certainty that God will act according to His promise. It is that certainty that moves us forward. And it is that certainty that moves the winter forward into spring. We have hope because we know that God is God and He is in control: all the hairs of your head are counted.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)Let’s remember these two small lessons, spring and hope. Let’s pray that when this is all over – and it may be a while before we return to normal – we don’t go back to what we were like before. Let’s begin looking at everything in life with eyes of hope so that even in the coldest and darkest of winter, it will look like Spring. Write to me to tell me what lessons you have been learning during this time, and come back next week for a few more faith lessons about Lent, the desert, listening, trust, and God’s ways, that we are learning during this COVID Spring.
At the Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering, ON, retreatants of all ages can encounter a God of surprises.
In June, 2024, the domed roof and interior of St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto tragically burned down. However, the parish community continues to stand strong and serve its neighbourhood.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for the right to an education for migrants, refugees and those affected by war; that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, may always be respected.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.