By Jay Jung
All things considered, I think the winter, the shortest of our four seasons, gets a bad rap! I hear people say, myself included, ‘can’t wait for summer.’ Well sure, school’s out, families and individuals travel to vacation spots, extended holidays (Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Seminary Picnic) are usually fun times. But summer is also about hot, cutting the lawn, bugs, hot, big time chores and fix-up projects, hot) so let’s not overdo it.
And sure, Fall here in Perry County and throughout Southeast Missouri, IS beautiful with the changing colors and cooler temps, but again, in the Fall gotta get out and rake those leaves, the days slowly get shorter and evenings slowly begin earlier and last longer, concerns about the impending flu season and the possibility of a new COVID variant are never far away.
So, I continue to do my best to enjoy our winter months and all they bring! Well, not ALL they bring, as I can do without those vortex cold below zero mornings, brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! And because those freezing temperatures, in my mind, really make Spring all the more welcoming, I too welcome the beautiful flowering plants when they first stick their colors from the dull dyed earth, along with, of course, the opening of a new baseball season.
But again, all this seems so much better because we have our winter season sandwiched between it all. So, let’s take a look at what winter has in store for us in the coming weeks!
Here at St. Vincent’s, next week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, focusing on the values that a quality education bring to not only our students, but also our communities and nation. Week-long events involving students, faculty, families, and staff, like Pass the Light Mass, the Catholic Schools Week Pep Assembly, Spirit Days and so much more, always seem to keep any harsh winter at bay.
This year’s theme, ‘Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,’ will recognize the contributions of our schools to both our own students and our local community here in Perryville and throughout Perry County. And then, how about Super Bowl LVIII? This year’s gridiron battle will take place in early February, with the final possible combatants playing in the coming weeks for the right to play for the grand Lombardi Trophy. And besides, for many Americans, that Super Bowl Sunday is just fun in itself as a time for friends and family to gather munching on foods we usually put off for special occasions.
And almost immediately following our day of overeating comes our holy season of Lent, preparing us to celebrate the greatest of Christian feasts, the Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Lenten season, a special time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, is a six week period that leads up to Easter and is observed by most groups of Christians throughout the world. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and this year shares the same day, February 14, with Valentine’s Day.
During Lent, many Christians formulate a special spiritual discipline, such as praying a daily devotional or participating in prayer available throughout the year. And with this time of year remaining colder and the shorter days looking a bit more inviting for spending it indoors, why not take advantage of what your denomination and church will be offering. Let it be a time of prayer, quiet reflection, and a focus on the Scripture that can nourish your soul as you prepare for the coming of Easter.
So hang in there the next eight weeks of winter which will come to an end on March 19 with the dawning of the spring equinox. For now, be positive like the guy who used to say: I’m OK with winter; I haven’t seen any mosquitos in weeks!
The Reverend Jay Jung, C.M., is the Senior Priest in Service at St. Vincent dePaul Parish in Perryville. Ordained in 1977, he graduated from St. Mary’s of the Barrens College Seminary in 1973 and has served in both educational settings and parish ministry for over 45 years. He is a member of the Congregation of the Mission, commonly known as the Vincentian Fathers and Brothers.
