Wednesday, March 20, 2019
The maple trees have been tapped; the wild geese are audible as they travel on their return flight to summer cottage country; and the thermometer is rising!
Spring equinox is another name for the equinox also known as vernal equinox and March equinox. An equinox is the moment in time (not a day-long event) when the Sun stands directly above the equator and day and night are of approximately equal length. For the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox is the moment when winter ends and spring begins, while for the Southern Hemisphere it is the moment when summer ends and fall (autumn) begins. Spring is scheduled for 5:58 PM today, March 20. A welcome marker of the change of seasons for us winter weary souls!
We acknowledge, however, that the snow will be with us yet for a spell and the promise of green growing things is just that. In the liturgical year we are still within the first third of Lent. Have you planted seeds for spiritual and personal growth? There’s still time, God’s time!
I invite you therefore “to observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God”. Embrace the promises of spring and explore all that will nurture healing and wholeness in body, mind and spirit and your growth as a disciple of Christ. “Arise my love, my fair one, and come away; for lo, the winter is past…” Song of Solomon 3:10f
Aside: Maple Kissed Salmon
¼ cup maple syrup, 1 garlic clove, crushed, 2 Tablespoons soy sauce; pepper; 1 Lb(or less) salmon filet. Mix first 4 ingredients and marinate salmon in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily. Serve with a wedge of lemon, a boiled potato and something green.