From The Pastor’s Desk

The leaves are changing colors. Autumn is a time of transition. We have gone from the heat of summer to the cool of autumn, and a few snowflakes are possible this Thursday as I write my letter this Monday morning. All nature enters winter’s sleep while the earth prepares for a new birth. This weekend we even changed our clocks back one hour, so that so many of us are not getting up in the dark.

During the month of November our liturgical year draws to a close. During the final weeks of Ordinary Time, the lectionary readings remind us of dying, death, and the earthly limits of life. The Gospels are full of parables calling the listener to justice, mercy and love. All Saints Day will was celebrated on November 1st and November 2nd, All Souls Day being the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.

Let us not forget the celebration of Thanksgiving which fall on November 28th this year. It many times tends to get lost in our rush from Halloween to Christmas. Even though it is not a Church feast day, it is a day set aside to give thanks to God for all the freedoms, for everything we have and are able to do. Whether here in Springfield, or going to visit relatives or friends, take time that day to thank God. Then whether we are ready for it or not, it begins the countdown to Christmas, although the stores have had Christmas trees for sale for months.

The celebration of Jesus Christ King of the Universe, is the last Sunday of the liturgical year and it falls this year on November 24th. The reason for this celebration is to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the “King of all kings” and it was originally intended as a way to bring God back into a secular world. The first Sunday of Advent is December 1st. Where have the fall months gone?