The Final Days (08/26/2024)

As a child, the final days of summer vacation were a challenge I relished. My “to do” list was long and included ice cream, runs through the sprinkler, climbing a tree or two, capturing bugs in a jar, playing late into the night with neighbor kids outside, and if we were lucky enough to rope an adult into our plans, a fire with marshmallows on sticks. It’s normal when we think our time for specific delights are ending to try to cram as much as possible into each hour.

I was thinking about that yesterday. We have no promises for our time here. As I consider the possibilities, what are the things that I would want to make sure I do? How do I guarantee that I get them done? My list was long and involved loved ones and ways of highlighting my love for them. And I wondered why not do them now.

Are there things we could and should do? What is our delay? What is our excuse?

In these final days of summer break, let us push forward with resolve to show the love we hold for one another. Let us make that phone call. Let us write that letter. Let us send that card. Let us visit that friend. Let us speak to that newcomer in the neighborhood. Let us make that meal for our friend who is ill. Let us invite that new family for a grill out. Let us take the time to visit with others after Mass. Let us be the women and men Christ calls us to be now.

Perhaps we will start new habits through Christ in the Spirit. Perhaps our love lived will be just the ingredient needed to heal a broken heart or fuel another’s dream. Perhaps our love lived will illuminate for another what is possible when one’s life is one’s gift to the source of all life, our LORD.

What are the things we want to do for sure? How soon can we begin?

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.