Above is a picture from Austria. Last month, I was so very blessed to be able to travel there for 10 days on silent retreat. What a great blessing of providence that the Father would arrange for this time away and that He would connect me to a wonderful American priest who has been living in Austria for nearly 20 years.
As you can see in the picture, when I arrived in Austria it was the peak of Autumn, with nature announcing the beauty of a change that was in process. The few days before I left for Austria there were only the first signs of this change in England... however, when I returned nearly all the leaves were fallen to the ground and the trees were barren. In what seemed like so short a time ... everything in nature had just 'moved right along' to something new.
After living in Arizona for so many years without any real seasonal changes, I experienced so much more amazement at natures transitions this year. Returning from Austria, as I drove onto the grounds at the SPEC Centre I was utterly amazed at how quickly things had looked so COMPLETELY different... yet how gently it had all happened. In that moment the Father reminded me.... the seasons of our lives can also change in an instant.
So much has seemed this same way here in England. For some things, it feels like I enter a new week and recognize suddenly but gently a new season has arrived. For example, families I have been journeying with who once felt alienated and far from Jesus' presence in the Sacraments and teachings of the Church are now experiencing much grace and blessings in the Sacramental life of Church. And true miracles of renewal and awakening are happening. Couples are praying together and are going to daily Mass and finding much consolation and grace. And they are experiencing a gift of Understanding in the Truth ... again, a new season has come.. yet it has been so gentle.
In this New Evangelization this seems to be such a hallmark of the renewal.. a change, an awakening, an intimacy with God.. yet so gentle.. like a dewfall that slowly gathers until it is noticed in the morning light.
Thank you Jesus for all you are doing! We pray that You would renew your Church, Lord.
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