St. Joseph of the Lakes

Every Spring I am amazed at the violence of life that cannot be subdued by most anything the weather throws our way. Last Sunday, most people coming into the church complained about the bitter cold and harsh wind, yet as I drove my golf cart back home after doing a baptism; I looked toward the faith formation center and there in the face of the cold and howling wind stood beautiful daffodil flowers in their glorious yellow waving as if to say to the cold: “So What!”  It brought a smile to my soul as I reflected on the power of life that will not be beaten down by persistent hardships.

St. Peter writes: “Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth as his sons and daughters, by raising Jesus Christ from the dead, so that we have a sure hope and the promise of an inheritance that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fade away, because it is being kept for you in the heavens. Through your faith, God’s power will guard you until the salvation which has been prepared is revealed at the end of time. This is cause of great joy for you, even though you may for a short time have to bear being plagued by all sorts of trials; so that, when Jesus Christ is revealed, your faith will have been tested and proved like gold.” (1Peter 1:3-7)

These are the great days of Easter promise, when even the earth reminds us of the power of God’s life that will not be hampered by ill-fated winds. Let the tulips, daffodils and lilacs and all the beautiful Spring flowers sing to you of the victory already won that is gradually being revealed with each passing day!