Our recent rains have transformed all the fields around the Old Mission. The dry, lifeless soil is now beautiful & green. New life and growth are everywhere. The Lord showers us with grace every day. Is our spiritual life alive, growing, and productive? The readings for this Sunday ask us to examine different areas of our lives.

Does God's grace move us to speak wisely and productively?

Are we striving to act more like Jesus-more inclined to build a better world?

Are we grateful that God rewards our good efforts with spiritual growth?

Are we critical of others without examining & reforming our own lives? 

Sunday's readings also point us toward Lent, which begins next Wednesday. We will receive ashes in the sign of the cross. We mortals can be spiritually lifeless, like ashes, like dirt without rain. The cross reminds us that Jesus offers us new life & calls us to share that life and grace with others-in all aspects of our lives. May our Lenten practices help us to examine our lives. May God's graces rain upon us from Heaven.

Through prayer, fasting, charitable works, scripture, and sacraments, may Jesus resurrect what is lifeless within us. May all aspects of our lives become beautiful, productive, & life giving.  

Fr. Mike Ronayne