February 10, 2019

For some the blues of mid-February have settled in. It seems like many people are just waiting out the time for the season to change. Yes, the weather was very mild this week, almost record breaking. Yes, the Super Bowl had an exciting ending. Yes, there is basketball. And for many outdoor winter sports. But it is still winter. The groundhog predicted an early Spring. Maybe the February blues will pass quickly.

There are other things beside the weather that we can focus on.

Valentine’s Day is coming. Children will delight in giving Valentine cards and heart shaped candies. Some adults will enjoy a romantic dinner, roses or a decadent box of chocolates. Cupid’s arrows may strike in many different places. Valentine’s Day is a diversion from the winter doldrums.

Spiritually, there is the observance of our Lady of Lourdes on February 11th. Almost 170 years ago the Blessed Virgin appeared to a young girl near Lourdes, France. Bernadette heard the gentle voice of Mary calling, she saw a beautiful woman not far from her, she prayed the rosary and Mary told her she was “the Immaculate Conception.” The restorative waters of Lourdes have brought many to seek healing. This week pray the rosary with a deeper faith, seeking the warmth of God’s inner healing and the faithful living of the gospel of Jesus.

For me the month of February seems to pass more quickly than other months. I seem to focus on things to come. I do not mind the winter as much as some others do. The weather is something to put up with. I do focus on daylight hours getting longer in the hope that warmer days can’t be far of. However you move through February look for the ever present embrace of God’s Love.

Msgr. Joe