May 2024
Reflections of God's Goodness
As we move through the Easter Season towards the great feast of Pentecost, the world around us is coming alive. Spring reminds us once more of the goodness of God and the hope we are called to.
What goodness God lavishes on us! He gave us Jesus, the hope of our salvation. He created the beauty of the world. What joy we experience when those first yellow daffodils push through the soil. Our hearts cannot help responding to the greening of nature and the songs of birds celebrating the coming Spring. Remember when you look into the faces of those you love or see the sweetness of a newborn baby—God created it all for us.
Yes, life can be challenging. Relationships are not always easy. Financial stress is a real thing in this economy, and unexpected sickness can strike anytime. When you add the news of wars and unrest in the world, all combine to take our energy and steal our joy. But our God says:
“Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you.”
The Church considers hope one of the three theological virtues, poured out by God into the heart of believers through the Holy Spirit. It is that virtue “by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (CCC, n. 1817).
Hope is an expectation with certainty that God will do what He said.
“You are my refuge and shield; in your word I hope.”
This month, as we prepare for Pentecost, let’s ask the Spirit, who lives and loves in the resurrected Jesus, to give us the gift of Hope. Come Holy Spirit!
Come, Holy Spirit. Pray this every time it comes to mind. You could place little reminders of this simple, powerful prayer around your home, in your car, or anyplace that works for you as reminder. Come Holy Spirit.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you
may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.”
Blessings and peace,
Come Holy Spirit,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
Read the previous reflections:
As we move through the Easter Season towards the great feast of Pentecost, the world around us is coming alive. Spring reminds us once more of the goodness of God and the hope we are called to. “…And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Jesus’ death and resurrection changed our lives! And it changed the world! Jesus died and rose again to be with us always – He promised! “…And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
If you have not yet tried reading the daily readings during Lent, I encourage you to begin or end your day filling your mind with God’s word. As I suggested last month, this is one way to help keep you grounded in who Jesus is and what he does. You can have the gospel sent to your email or you can read it online at usccb.org
Lent begins on February 14th! It is also Valentine’s Day! A perfect way for us to remember God’s wonderful love for us and our need to repent and return to Him with new energy and commitment