Weekly MESSAGE for April 8, 2007: Dying and Rising in Christ

April 5, 2007

Focus: Dying and Rising in Christ

Dear Friend

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!

It is difficult to believe that Christ is risen if we haven’t experienced small dyings and risings in our own daily living. They may be simple ones like the joy of being forgiven by God for a past offense, the insight that the choices someone close to me makes need not put me in a frantic or anxious state because I come from a different “center,” or the daffodils, tulips and crocuses pressing up through the earth after a long cold winter of “death.”

Easter is a time for renewal and for replenishing our energy through our faith in life being stronger than death. Here’s a reflection for this marvelous feast.

Within each of us there is a well of energy that must be regularly replenished. When we act as if this well is bottomless, scheduling a long list of activities that fit like puzzle pieces into every minute of every day, it becomes depleted and we feel exhausted, disconnected, and weak.

Refilling this well is a matter of finding time to focus on, nurture, and care for ourselves, or simply to take some “you time.” Most of us are, at different times throughout the day, a spouse, a friend, a relative, an employee, a parent, or a volunteer, a parishioner which means that down time is not necessarily “you time.” Though some people will inevitably look upon “you time"” as being selfish, it is actually the polar opposite of selfishness. We can only excel when our own spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs are fulfilled.

Recognizing the importance of “you time” is far easier than finding a place for it in an active, multifaceted lifestyle, however. Even if you find a spot for it in your agenda, you may be dismayed to discover that your thoughts continuously stray into worldly territory. To make the most of “you time,” give yourself enough time on either side of the block of time you plan to spend on yourself to ensure that you do not feel rushed. Consider how you would like to pass the time, forgetting for the moment your obligations and embracing the notion of renewal. You may discover that you are energized by creative pursuits, meditation, praying the rosary, doing relaxing activities during which your mind can wander, modes of expression such as writing, or the slow reading of Sacred Scripture.

Even if you have achieved a functioning work-life balance, you may still be neglecting the most important part of that equation – namely, you. “You time” prepares you for the next round of daily life, whether you are poised to immerse yourself in a professional project or chores around the home. It also affords you a unique opportunity to learn about yourself, your needs, and your tolerances in a concrete way. As unimportant as “you time” can sometimes seem, it truly is crucial to your wellbeing because it ensures that you are never left without the energy to give of yourself.

This state of being is truly the hope and promise of Easter.

Happy Easter to you and your loved ones! Christ is risen and we are rising each day in him.

Fondly,
Father Nick Amato