We’re now past Midwinter, and heading into spring although today’s temperatures certainly don’t feel that way. But after today and Saturday, we’ll be back up to the 40s and 50s. That dusting of snow we had last week really didn’t count as snow; it was gone before noon. But never fear, we’re not through February yet.
Yesterday was Imbolc, the old Celtic holiday of Midwinter, which was transformed into St. Brigid’s Day. It was also the Feast of Candlemas, of the Presentation of the Lord 40 days after Christmas, a rite of purification of a mother after the birth of a child. All kinds of rites attached to purify women from bleeding; after all, the ancient ancients really didn’t understand how a woman could bleed and not die.
Yesterday was also when we learned that Exxon and Shell had made the biggest profits ever, doubled from the previous year. And you wondered why gas prices were so high? Kind of make you wonder about the so-called shortage. Shareholders got 20% more on their investments. So, what was the real reason for inflation beyond the war in Ukraine? Simple – greed, pure greed.
Prayer for the Day
Holy Creator, your Spirit stirred over the waters of chaos,
Calm the turbulent waters of our souls;
Bathe us with your Spirit cleansing us of our fears,
And bring us to that place where we can share your love with others.
Reveal to us in this winter season the power of simple things
And the power of love and care above all
In the name of the One who shares your power with us
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.
-Paul Theroux, American novelist and travel writer
When all the world appears to be in tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but winter will be forced to relent, once again, to the soft greens, longer light, and the sweet air of spring.
-Madeleine Kunin, Swiss born American diplomat, writer, governor of Vermont
For as the rain and snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there until they have watered the earth,
Making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty.
Isaiah 55: 10-11a.