After this year's and last year's rains, the Santa Ynez valley is in bloom. The vineyards have greened up and the grapes will soon appear.

With water from heaven, the valley produces much fruit, a rich harvest. Do we? Lent and Easter are times when the Lord showers us with graces from Heaven. St Paul received grace from heaven. Despite persecution, he became a great evangelist and missionary. Sister Carmen spent her life God's service. For many years, she shared Jesus' grace with everyone in our community. Even in her illness, Sr. Carmen's faith and courage produced abundant fruit.

God's Word tells us that we must love, not just in words but in deeds. Jesus rains down His grace on us. He wants us to bloom like the Valley.

Is the Lord's grace reflected in the way I speak to my spouse or my family? Does Jesus' light shine in my actions at work, school or on the road? May we be as productive for the Lord as our vineyards are for the Valley.       

Fr. Mike Ronayne