When our television is on‒which is often because we are home so much‒I hear so many commercials for new and replacement windows for your home. These windows could be carefully installed and, because of the expert installers, fit right in, even if you have special trim or casings. I started thinking that perhaps some of us may need new windows in our spiritual lives‒that is, new ways of looking out at our troubled and chaotic world, and new ways of letting the Light, the Risen Christ, shine into our hearts.
We are still in the joyful season of Easter, a time to eagerly count our blessings, especially the blessing of our redemption through Jesus’ death and resurrection. So, we rejoice and look out on our world with renewed hope. This hope is not a gift to be hoarded; it is a breath of fresh air and has to be circulated.
Not having grown up with computers, I am not so expert at negotiating all the websites and online services available, but I do know that‒especially precipitated by the pandemic‒there are some wonderful masses, programs, and special presentations online that can add to our spiritual repertoire. (Yes, I know there is a Windows operating system for computers, but I am not advertising it, despite the title of my blog!) My point is that, even if we stay away from church services because of the virus, there are many opportunities available for worship and spiritual stimulation.
We realize that when we look out a window from a particular angle, we see the world in a particular way; but if we chose a different angle, we might gain a different perspective. We need to pray for enlightenment so that we can see more often from God’s perspective. St. Paul in Philippians 2:3-5 cautions us:
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
Thanks to our loving Lord, we can replace worries and anxieties with trust and consolation. Praying with the psalms can be helpful. For example, Psalm 94:18-19 reassures us:
When I thought, “My foot is slipping,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
We should look at the world through Jesus-rose-colored glasses. In Ephesians 1:18-19a we read:
...so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe.
We can regard the rest of this Easter season as days, one by one, that provide windows of opportunity for spiritual renewal and loving outreach. Maybe we each can find a partner in piety and prayer. And take St. Paul’s advice as written in Colossians 3:1-3:
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
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Photo by Sam Rios on Unsplash.
The scripture passages are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.