NEW LIFE—A Reflection By Darlene McGovern

NEW LIFE

I love all the seasons. Each one has a special meaning to me. Each spring I think of New Life.

When I was pregnant with our son, our fourth child, Sister Eileen Taylor would touch my pregnant

belly and say “New Life”. As I rode in the car taking Michael home from the hospital having this new

life in the back seat and seeing the buds forming on the trees, I could only think of New Life.

New life is a miracle in the birth of a child. It is also a wonder when we see new life forming on the

trees. So much growth happens underground during the wintertime. I feel like that is what happens

to me in the wintertime. So much is happening underneath the surface. Because of the cold

weather, I am in the house more and I use that time to pray and study scripture. Its an opportunity to

strengthen my friendship with Jesus. It’s a time to just sit and listen to the voice of God. It all adds up

to spiritual growth. Its all happening on the inside. When spring comes along, that growth shows in

my outward appearance. I feel more energized spiritually. I am more open to prayer opportunities. I

feel more connected to my God.

Jesus gives us new life when He calls us to follow Him. Jesus gives us opportunities to follow Him, to

be more Christlike. How do we do that? By studying scripture, by making prayer time a priority, by

taking part in Mass and receiving the Eucharist.

Don’t let your spiritual life become stagnant, find ways to give it New Life!