Sunday, February 27, 2011

A Thousand Gifts # 27: Melting Snow

melting snow

The snow came down heavily on Wednesday, and we had just returned from the warmth of Maui on Monday night. With worn out tires on both vehicles, it was not safe to travel the streets. It’s not only our tires that are worn out, we are worn and weary of winter, as is everyone else. The winds have battered our little town, the temps have set record lows, and the darkness has invaded every cheerful disposition.
So it was with relief that we saw the temperature rise, and the snow begin to melt this morning. I made it to Mass with no trouble. The readings today were quite instructive to me. From Matthew chapter 6:
“Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear…..Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
I have for some time been worried in the back of my mind somewhere about our plans to board our boat and head for Mexico this coming August. I worry not about the adventure itself, but about what we will do when we come back. Where will we live? Will we be able to find work? What if our health begins to fail and we have no insurance? And on and on the nagging, niggling worries.
But from my copy of Magnificat comes this wise counsel and reminder, from Blosius the Venerable
"The servant of God must not lose hope on account of his exceeding instability, which causes him so quickly to sink down and become distracted, but persevering with an unconquered heart in this holy work, he must unceasingly gather up again his scattered spirit and turn it back again into God, his highest good. When once this holy custom has become confirmed within him, he will not find much difficulty in it; and at length, indeed, the habit becomes part of a man’s nature, and it is then almost as easy to remain intent on God and divine things as to breath and live."
Here is another homily for today-excellant.
Thank you God for melting snow, renewed hope and Blosius the Venerable.

Saturday, February 26, 2011