April 12, 2024

Dear Friends, 

         It’s always funny to me where inspiration strikes. I tend to have the best ideas in the shower. I think that’s just because my mind has the opportunity to wander. There is no stress at that point. I think it’s just the opportunity to be able to let your mind do what it does best. I know others feel the same way, so at least I am not weird in this capacity. All randomness aside, I was watching a movie instead of sleeping. At the tail end of the movie, we hear this from one of the main characters: “Sometimes it feels like there are so many things in this world we can't control. Earthquakes, floods, reality shows... But it's important to remember the things that we can. Like forgiveness, second chances, fresh starts... Because the one thing that turns the world from the longing place to a beautiful place... is love. Love and any of its forms. Love gives us hope... Hope for the New Year.”

         Maybe it was the earthquake line that caught my attention, but honestly this is something that I parrot all the time. The importance of love and the importance of forgiveness are nothing new. It is not a new message from me. It is the same thing I say time and again. I just like hearing it from a different voice. I think the thing that caught me in this instance was that last line. While the speaker was talking about a New Year, as in New Year’s day, as we go through this Easter Season, we are reminded of the newness of life, the newness of God’s grace and forgiveness. While for us as Catholics the new year begins at Advent, Easter and post Easter we can celebrate a new us. 

         There are things well beyond our ability to control as much as we want to control them. What matters is what we do with what is in our control. Take the time as we celebrate Spring and see the flowers come into the world. As we see the little critters being born and celebrate the newness of that life (just not turkey’s, turkeys are jerks they chase me around the parking lot, but I digress). Easter calls us to celebrate our redemption from sins and all the Lord has given to us. On our part, let us allow forgiveness, second chances, and love to be a part of who we are. Do what you can to let it be part of our core, not just something we echo at masses. Spring has Sprung, He has Risen, what will you do? 

God Bless, 

Fr. Brian 

P.S. With all of this rain, the May flowers better be HUGE!!!!

P.P.S. What do you say if it’s raining chickens, ducks, and turkeys in April? Did you see this fowl weather?