Responsible for Love

The anticipation is growing... soon to be spring. Today, after leaving church following the Liturgy of Saturday of Souls, when we pray out of love and Christian duty for those who have gone before us, I found new signs of life. There they were little tiny green tripods, creeping out of the ground shyly amidst the volumes of snow surrounding the parish grounds. Yet, in that little sheltered row, they were almost hidden. I would guess that these lifeforms, possibly crocus, were overwhelmed by the mass of whiteness still dominating the area and hoped, like we do, that it will melt away quickly. The sun, in all its brightness has given notice for advancement, like it or not. It won't be long when the stacks of snow will be but a memory and the new green will proudly stand with its foliage and flower for all to see in all it's glory. Somehow, when we wait for new life to show itself, it seems like a ponderous time. Especially when it has been as difficult as this winter.

Another sign of the impending spring, is arriving at what we call meatfare Sunday. It is a marker that Lenten Spring has begun and, as we approach the Sunday of the Last Judgment, we realize that all that does not produce in life, is doomed to die. The fruit of our life is "love." We will be judged on the gift of love. We have been given the grace of Christ's love and how we accepted the responsibility to love or refused to love. Love is a decision. Personal love is essential for man to thrive, without it, we are all sick, thirsty and hungry. Personal love is the true mission of the church. For "inasmuch as you have done it onto one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me."

I hope that you will find it in your heart to put love first and that you will reap the reward of eternal life when the books are opened and all is disclosed. Love is what you will take with you, and it is all that matters in the end.

Love, which is so wonderful and brings a joy filled step, is like a touch of spring generating happiness as it basks in the sun soaked rays of heaven. It is the kingdom of God within us. It is how the beauty of the whole creation is reflected in a very unique and special way.