Autumn is a bridge between Summer and Winter
Let us welcome this new season with multicolored nature, vibrant foliage and autumn aromas. Even as the days become shorter, may autumn remind us about the joys of the harvest season. Jesus often used imagery of farming and harvesting to describe the Kingdom of God. The Good News is not just a physical harvest, but a spiritual calling. The seasons are also a time when the fading and falling leaves invite us to pause and meditate on the mysteries of life and death. Ecclesiastes says.” For everything there is a season…”
We also experience the alternation of seasons throughout our lives: some are very joyful, colorful and fruitful, while others bring hardships, sorrow and suffering. We know that Jesus walks with us and sustains us, wrapping us in his unfailing love as we await a new season.
To cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit, we must nurture the spiritual gifts planted in us by God. As we praise and thank God daily for all he has done for us, our relationship with God will grow and mature. During this jubilee year may our prayers, words and actions reflect the hope we each carry in our hearts.
October is traditionally the month of the Rosary. With God’s help we may make of it a beautiful, wonderful month, as we turn to Mary and meditate on the mysteries of the life of her Son Jesus as she lived them out with him. October 7th, the feast of “Our Lady of The Rosary”, is a special day devoted to Mary. She is our Mother; she loves us and guides us on our journey. Carry a rosary and pray it with devotion wherever you go. Say a prayer to her; she hears and answers your prayers.
“The Rosary is an effective means for opening ourselves to God, for its helps us to overcome egoism and to bring peace to hearts, in the family, in society and in the world .”. (Pope Francis).
Let us ask Mary for her intercession during our life’s difficulties and for the people who are experiencing war in their countries. Our prayers for others are very powerful. Patrick Payton, the Servant of God, said: “The family that prays together stays together.”
The Hail Holy Queen (The Salve Regina)
attributed to Hermannus Contractus, a German monk.
Hail holy Queen, our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this, our exile, and show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen
