Embertide

As we travel, we come across an open field, looking down upon it from the sky.  We see visions of shapes in our mind of the wonderful colors grown by the seasons of time.  Because of this, born are two types of people – the kind that look upon it and see nothing but what the ground reveals; corn, wheat, apples.  Then there are those who see the reaping as a sign – a sign that only faith through God’s grace can produce.  They say it is the farmer that moves the soil but it is He who moves the soul and with a bit of prayer and supplication it is transformed into the vibrant images of light and deep color that come only at this time of year.

It is like a child being conceived in the womb, as a seed is planted into rich soil.  Coming of age, sprouting from the earth, growing, giving life to itself and finally becoming what it was meant to be.  Then living and surviving on the nourishment of time, it succumbs only to be reborn.

We celebrate the sanctity of this season by turning to God through prayer and giving thanks for His creations and for each person healed by their weaknesses and reflecting on our responsibilities for a religious life.  We exalt upon the Holy Cross, an ‘autumnus tempora’ – the rich colors of the spectrum that come to symbolize the bringing together of mind and spirit.

Sharing this bounty with Him and with others is a rite of passage each year at this time. ‘Let us love God; but at the price of our hands and sweat of our face’ – Saint Vincent De Paul.  Through such acts of charity, kindness and worship, we are moved to those most vulnerable in our society.  ‘God sees you’.

Our works are not to be lessened by stature or notoriety but let them be judged by Him alone.  Like the tree grows, giving of its shade and radiance of color as it goes to sleep – let us be transformed.  The days of the harvest are upon us.  Let us strive to be good stewards of the many treasures He gives to each and every one of us.  For it is just as important as what we say as what we put into our mouths. 

Give of yourself, give to those who have none and need it most and be gracious for the richness of the season and to our time here on earth.  Remember that only through hard work, love and tears do we come to celebrate the sacred abundance of embertide.

May you feel the gentle breath of the Holy Spirit, may your hearts be filled with the brightness of the harvest and may His peace be with you, always