As we enter the summer months, a season filled with warmth, relaxation, and often a break from our regular routines, it’s essential to remember the importance of our journey of faith and our relationship with Jesus. The summer season offers unique opportunities to deepen our faith, but it also comes with the challenge of not letting the distractions and leisure of summer lead us away from our spiritual path.
Summer is a time when many of us take vacations, spend more time outdoors, and enjoy activities with family and friends. These moments of rest and recreation are gifts from God, providing us with a chance to recharge and appreciate the beauty of His creation. However, it’s crucial not to let these activities overshadow our spiritual commitments. Jesus invites us to find Him not only in the quiet moments of prayer but also in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, even during the summer months.
The Gospels remind us Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). Amidst His busy ministry, He never lost sight of His relationship with the Father. This is a powerful example for us. Summer can be a season of spiritual growth if we intentionally seek moments of quiet and prayer. Whether it’s a morning walk, a quiet evening on the porch, or time spent in nature, these moments can become opportunities for us to connect with God, to reflect on His presence in our lives, and to listen to His voice.
Each year, I make it a point to go to the beach and take my morning walks along the ocean. These walks are more than just a physical exercise; they are a time for meditation, prayer, and conversation with God. The sound of the waves, the fresh morning air, and the beauty of the sunrise all create a perfect environment to reflect on God’s greatness and to seek His guidance. These moments of solitude and communion with God reenergize me for the upcoming year, grounding me in my faith and renewing my spirit.
Moreover, the summer months can serve as a reminder of the rhythm of the liturgical calendar. Just as nature goes through cycles and seasons, our faith journey also has its rhythms. We celebrate feast days and saints’ memorials, participate in the sacraments, and follow the liturgical seasons. Even in Ordinary Time, which we often find ourselves in during summer, there is nothing ordinary about the ways in which God can work in our lives. Ordinary Time is a period of growth and maturation in our faith, a time to delve deeper into the teachings of Christ and to live out His Gospel in our everyday actions.
It’s also essential to integrate our faith into our summer activities. Whether we’re at the beach, camping, or enjoying a barbecue, we can bring Christ into these moments. Simple practices like starting a meal with prayer, setting aside time for Mass, or sharing a Bible story around the campfire can help keep our faith alive and present. These acts remind us and those around us that Jesus is with us in every season of life.
As we enjoy the longer days and warmer weather, let us not forget those who may be struggling during this time. Summer can be a difficult season for the lonely, the sick, or those facing hardships. Reaching out with acts of kindness, offering our time, and being present to others are concrete ways to live out our faith. In serving others, we encounter Christ Himself, as He taught us: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
The summer months are a wonderful time to relax and enjoy God’s creation, but they also offer us opportunities to grow in our faith. By intentionally seeking Jesus in our daily activities, maintaining our spiritual practices, and reaching out to those in need, we can ensure that our journey of faith continues to flourish. Let us embrace this season with gratitude and a renewed commitment to follow Christ in all that we do.
Blessings,
Deacon Mike
Comments