Spring Cleaning for the Heart

Spring is here! Okay, technically it’s been here for a while, if you believe the calendar. And the seed catalogues-my favorite wish books. But the best part of this time of the year is that it is also springtime for the heart.

Easter has come, our Lord is risen! As we continue to celebrate this fact with joy, we might also cast a glance back at the season of Lent we just passed through. We all made resolutions, either to give something up, or to add a spiritual practice that will help us to grow closer to Christ in the long run. Like me, I’m sure you’re looking back and evaluating progress.

Be careful though, how you do look back. The point is not to berate yourself o not having been perfect, because if we are honest, we all know we could have been better The point is to take stock of what did work and how that feels to us now. What practice brought us closer to God? What inspired us to live the Gospel message more fervently?

The positives are what will carry us forward into the future. Follow your heart wherever it leads you. Perhaps you’ve always been curious about a Biblical figure, such as St. Paul. There are many books out there by scholars who have researched his life and work. Have you wondered about the salvation story as expressed in the Old Testament? There are many excellent Catholic Scripture studies out there. Perhaps you are called to deepen your prayer life and spend more time in silence with Christ and His word. Lectio Divina may be perfect for you at this stage.

If you feel called to be more active join a parish or community group that works in the area that most interests you. If there isn’t one, maybe you are being called to start something new. All it takes is one person and a dream.

Springtime has come again. Let’s get out there and plant some seeds!