Seasons of faith

Confirmation class met last week, and we sat on the lawn outside as the sun set in the sky above. The cool grass under our feet felt good after such a long, hot day. A gentle breeze reminded us all that spring is on the way. I think we're all aware of the change in seasons going on right now - the warmer, longer days after the chilly nights of winter.

In the class, we completed a worksheet on the liturgical seasons of the year. From Epiphany to Pentecost, to the purple of Lent and the white of Easter - we discussed the origins and reasons for each of these significant seasons in church. In our discussion, questions were asked about why certain colors represented specific seasons, and how the year is divided up. We pondered together on how we've lived our spiritual lives in the midst of the ongoing calendar year alongside the church year.

God has gifted all people with the sensitivity to living in time. We instinctively know when it is time to flourish and grow, and when it is time to rest and retreat. The writer of Ecclesiastes was particularly sensitive to this when he wrote "For everything there is a season, and time for every matter under heaven." (Ecc. 3) The changing seasons are an integral part of life on earth, and the life of faith is no different.

What spiritual season are you currently facing? Are you living in the repentance of Lent, or the continual waiting of Advent? Are you joyfully arriving at the new dawn of Easter, or are you standing before the cross on Good Friday? Whatever the season, God is guiding you through this time in a way that is shaping you and your faith. It is important to be conscious of how you are situated in time - how God is speaking to you (or not speaking to you). Be sensitive to this, and pray for your own guidance and faithfulness.

Prayer for Guidance

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.