A New Season

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
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​I am happily typing the seasons first edition of the blog from the screen porch!  I’m so excited to be sitting here as the sun sets listening to all the neighbor kids going past on their bikes and scooters with ball bats and soccer balls and laughter.  Everything just feels better when a fresh new season peeks around the corner!  As the weather changes this week, so has the church season.  We’ve headed into a long stretch of Ordinary Time and Catholic Priests everywhere reach for the green vestments.  As we head into this new church season, we might not know exactly what to do with it.  Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter are specific seasons with specific objectives but now we’re beginning a nearly six-month stretch, and it can be easy to think this season is just “ordinary” since there are no “big events” but that would be a missed opportunity!
The season of Ordinary Time helps us look at the life, teaching, parables and miracles of Jesus.  We linger here for a good long while because there is so much to soak in.  The color for this season is green like new life, sprouting and growing and that’s just what our prayer life and relationship with Jesus could be doing this season too.  It’s the perfect time to challenge ourselves to learn or study something new and grow in faith and knowledge or take a deep dive into Scripture, saints or anything that can help us grow in holiness.  I’d like to offer some things to spend some time praying with during this long and hopefully fruitful season.
*How can I prioritize time to pray and listen to God instead of just seeking him when I need something?
*What am I hesitant to surrender to God?
*How big is your fig leaf?  Adam and Eve used fig leaves to “hide from the Lord” in fear so spend some time with your fears…how big are they?  What are they masking?  What is it you’re trying to hide from the Lord?
*How can I be more grateful?
*What do I do when I sin or make mistakes, do I use them as opportunities to ask for God’s grace and forgiveness while learning from them and finding the root or do I respond with guilt and self-pity?
*Am I more joyful, grateful, peaceful and content than I was a year ago?  How can I grow in these areas?
*How does my screen time compare to the time I spend growing in faith and knowledge?
 
A Seed To Plant: Spend some time with the list and pick one to begin with.  Invite the Lord into that question and allow him to lead you on a journey of growth and new life in him.
Blessings on your day!