Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Spring in My Step

Rebirth. Regeneration. Sunlight. Easter. How I love this time of year, and how interesting that it arrives just in the nick of time.  The vernal equinox resets my internal clock and recalibrates my spiritual compass. Outward signs include spring cleaning, car washing, packing of clothes for the St. Vincent dePaul box, attending the Silhouette Stations of the Cross, and returning regularly to the Long Beach boardwalk. The internal movement is more subtle.
Living the life one is called to as a Catholic Christian requires a counter cultural stance, and a freedom from worldly attachments and distractions. Not for the timid this life, I believe, but worth the effort. A profound articulation of this truly radical way of being is found in the Sermon on the Mount and the subsequent chapters in the Gospel of Matthew. An awesome story of the love and forgiveness available to us when we fail? The Prodigal Son.
(Matthew 5: 1-11)
           When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
            "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
            "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
            "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
            "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
            "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
            "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
            "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
            "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, fortheirs is the kingdom of heaven.
           "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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3 comments:

  1. christopherMarch 21, 2010 at 10:57 PM

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  2. christopherMarch 22, 2010 at 6:18 AM

    I love coming out from the harshness of winter and into the promise of spring as well.

    And I think The Prodigal Son is a great story offering many parallels. For myself though, I guess I'm stuck somewhere in 'righteousness', hoping that someday everyone is really welcomed into the fold.

    I admire your dedication and sincerity

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  3. MCHMarch 24, 2010 at 12:16 AM

    Thanks, Chris. I've been fortunate to know many progressive and forward- thinking Catholics over the years, including priests and religious. But... if I dwell on the institutional hierarchy- old guys in red hats--I seriously could break all kinds of commandments. : )

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