Fr John McKenna, speaks of the ‘Eternal Spring’ promised to us and how this should be celebrated in advent and act as a reminder during the Year to come. 

I was inspired recently by an article written by Cardinal John Henry Newman, entitled ‘The Eternal Springtime Will Surely Come’. These words can be helpful for us as we journey through the Season of Advent, Christmastide and into the New Year. He wrote, “this earth, which now buds forth in leaves and blossoms, will one day burst forth into a new world of light and glory, in which we shall see saints and angels dwelling.  Who would think, except from his experience of former springs all through his life, who could conceive two or three months before, that it was possible that the face of nature, which then seemed so lifeless, should become so splendid and varied?”

During the season of Advent we are encouraged to wait for the coming of the Eternal Spring, the second coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This hope should take us far beyond the tinsel, the turkey sandwiches and the gloom of January mornings, going back to work.

Advent highlights how our human existence is a journey towards heaven, a journey “back home.” As we encounter the hardships of the road and are occasionally wearied by the length and demands of our daily lives, it is important to remember the hope of heaven within us and reflect on the joys that await us.

Admittedly, this is easier said than done. While our belief in heaven is nurtured by faith, scripture, and the teachings of the Church, we have only vague, sometimes unappealing, ideas of what heaven holds in store for us. Notions of chubby cherubs sitting on cotton clouds strumming golden harps or images of pale, ethereal spirits fall far short of heaven’s reality, which is exceedingly better than anything we can imagine.

While human words are inadequate for describing the life of heaven, our hearts should be stirred nonetheless by the metaphors and visions that scripture uses to communicate a sense of heaven to us. Taking time to read these descriptions, somewhat like reading a travel brochure in anticipation of a holiday, can and will feed our excitement.

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:2-3)

Tags: spring

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