When I arrived home yesterday after school, rolled our garbage can and carried our recycle bins to the road I noticed the white blooms of our melaleuca trees, the red berries on our Florida hollies, and a green vine and acacia trees showing some buds with yellow. This scene is not as majestic as the brilliance of the Northeast maples and oaks, but each of the signs of nature’s poetry mean the same thing: Fall has arrived.
Jesus, in today’s Gospel reading from Luke, related how the signs of summer are near: “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near” (Lk 21:29-31).
When we are aware around us to the signs, nature helps us to be aware of the seasons. A handful of people I haved talked to in Florida say that we have no Fall Season. What they are most likely saying is we do not have a Fall as other people in the north experience. Again it isn’t as brilliant, but there are signs to see. If you have been reading my blog regularly, I believe I have mentioned our swamp maple at least twice. When the maple changes to bright red and yellow winter is here in Florida!
Depending on our focus, and even attitude, these natural signs can be noticed or missed. Just as with Jesus’ public ministry, his exorcisms, healings, and teachings, can be read as the signs of the presence of the kingdom of God in the midst of his followers and onlookers, or they can be missed or dismissed. More powerfully, but more subtly, were the signs within the disciples of Jesus themselves. Did they notice anything different about their lives having experienced spending time with Jesus? The budding, blooming and bursting forth for them would not be more readily apparent and visible until after the Resurrection, Ascension, and coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, but for them to stick with Jesus and to return to him after they left him, the seeds Jesus planted must have taken firm root.
How about us today? Do we notice any signs, any differences in our lives because we believe in and are disciples of Jesus? Better yet, do those closest to us notice? If you are not sure even where to look, St Paul can be of help. Take a look to see if you have any mature, “fruit of the Spirit” such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Meditate on these attributes, see which one seem to be a bit frail and could use some care. Consider paying attention to one intentionally over this season of Advent. If you would like to be more loving, patient, or kind, coming into this Christmas Season, spend some time each day making a commitment to pray, think, speak, and act to develop your chosen fruit. Examine your conscience at the end of the day to see how you did. Of course ask the Holy Spirit for help. Would be nice for one to ripen in time for Christmas. Any one of these gifts would be wonderful to share!
Photo: Some of the bloom of Fall!
Link for today’s Mass readings:
Spiritual Stepping Stones 