On the threshold of Lent, we pray for a new springtime in the Spirit resulting in new creations. The Lord continues to create through His Spirit, word, and light.

In God's light, we see the "formless wasteland" (see Gn 1:2) of our lives. We see the need to establish God's order, harmony, shalom. Accordingly, we begin to separate the light from the darkness (Gn 1:4), the waters above from the waters below (Gn 1:7), and the land from the sea (Gn 1:9). A re-ordering is necessary for re-creations and new creations. We must "come out from among them and separate (ourselves) from them" (2 Cor 6:17); that is, we must separate from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:16, our transl.). We must separate from the ways of the world, for Jesus has chosen us out of the world (Jn 15:19). In the darkness of the world, God's creations can't grow.

Additionally, for God to create anew in our lives, we must "be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it" (Gn 1:28). We must bear fruit for God's kingdom by sharing our faith and leading others to new life in Christ. If we don't co-create with God by sowing the seed of God's word, then we don't want and don't receive God's new creations that much.

This Lent, be separated from the world and fruitful in the Spirit. Be newly created and creative.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, August 1, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 6, 1996