Most of the time it's easy to predict the weather. Jesus claimed it was also easy to interpret the signs of the times (Lk 12:56). What are the signs of our times? What time is it spiritually?

Pope John Paul II prophesied it is early "springtime" for the Church (Mission of the Redeemer, 86). This means we have weathered a long, cold spiritual winter. Some have spiritually died during this winter; others are starving, sick, or weakened. We must reach out to resurrect, nourish, and heal our Christian brothers and sisters. We should also tell them the good news that, although early spring sometimes looks like winter, it is still spring. We have the certain hope of new life. "For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land" (Sg 2:11-12).

Although we may be getting ready for winter in the calendar year, winter is over in the spiritual calendar. The dove, the Holy Spirit, is singing a new song of new life in our land. Come, Holy Spirit of springtime!

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 3, 2009

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