It’s always good to have something to look forward to. It doesn’t have to be huge, but something as simple as visiting a friend or loved one or taking a day trip to somewhere special. Planning on making Irish soda bread is a joy for me, which begins with gathering my two recipes that are quite old, going to the store to get what is needed and the whole baking process. I actually look forward to this yearly ritual in honor of St. Patrick.
I love today’s first reading from Isaiah which is just beautiful in its vision of a future restoration of humanity and all of creation. It is magnificent in its joyful description of a new world of peace and justice that is slowly, very, very, slowly, taking root in the present and will reach fruition in an undisclosed future. But it’s going to happen!!!
Easter is fast approaching, the most important Feast in our Faith that demands significant preparation and prayer so that our hearts can be transformed by the JOY of its meaning: we are destined for an eternity of an Easter Day, the “eighth” day of Creation that will never end. Definitely something to look forward to.
But now we prepare by praying, going to Confession, getting out the recipes and menus for the Feast, getting the list of all the ingredients, never forgetting the dozens of eggs and what is necessary to color them. One can’t forget the trip to Fanny May, if you like the things they sell. Get some lights to put up inside.... Why should Christmas have a monopoly on decorating with lights, which are the symbol of the Light who is Christ?
Easter is the most beautiful Feast that gives us hope for a future of unending life and joy. Start preparing, for have three joy is in the preparations.
Peace,
Fr. Frank