As I am getting ready to write this, I’m having my morning coffee and enjoying the view of my yard in Pittsburgh; it’s kind of a rare day here this spring – we actually have some sunshine!
Over the last few days, buds and leaves on the trees have started to appear; the daffodils and daisies are up and blossoming. Singing Blue Cays, Cardinals, Robins are regular visitors along with the turkeys.
It really is a very pretty and peaceful time.
This season is very special to so many religions and cultures. It’s extremely wonderful and hopeful as we turn the tide with COVID-19 and can get together in our churches, synagogues, and other places of worship. Our holiday tables are more full with family and friends. Many of us are familiar with the holy periods of Ramadan, Passover and Easter but sacred and holy days for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists also take place during these days.
An article from the Religious News Service states that, “collectively they carry a common message … calling us to renewal, forever changing the way we look at our lives in the material world.” This is a time for all of us to be with family and friends and to reconnect with our faith and spiritual beliefs.
We celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring with all of its beautiful colors and sounds.
Easter is the most holy time for Christians celebrating and remembering Jesus’ rising from the dead following his crucifixion and death. There are sunrise services, special hymns and music, and new believers become part of the church. There are family and ethnic customs, traditions and foods – I think I have the best of both worlds from a Polish and Italian family!
Easter bunnies, peeps, baskets, flowers and chocolates remind us that this time of year is different from the day-to-day norm.
Passover is an eight-day celebration of the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt as the story of the Exodus is recounted. Families gather to pray and celebrate with hymns and a Seder meal. The Haggadah is a booklet that guides participants through the rituals and menu of the Seder meal and plate. Haggadah means telling …. the Exodus story and great works of G-d are to be told and taught to each generation.
During the holy month of Ramadan, there is an emphasis on prayer, study of the Quran, and fasting. Muslims grow in their relationship with Allah and their loved ones. Muslims begin their days with prayer before sunrise for a small meal and abstain from food, drink, and other physical pleasures during the daylight hours. The daily fast is broken with a meal after sunset called iftaar. This discipline teaches self control and focus on the Quran to grow spiritually. It is also a time to increase acts of charity and community service as rewards for good deeds are multiplied during this month of mercy.
As we focus on celebrating the joy of the springtime season – the roots of our faith, family, friends and special foods – we continue to remember and pray for those who find it difficult to find joy due to loss, illness, loneliness, and war. Military training and deployments impact many of our holidays.
I encourage you to make an effort to reach out to those in need this season. Many places of worship and community organizations open their doors for meals and gatherings so that folks will not be alone. Be as generous as you can with your time, talent and treasures.
I saw a card that said, “with spring comes the time for shared faith and love.” May you and your families enjoy all the blessings of this season!