April 10, 2009
The Second Half
Weak hands, feeble knees
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees… Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped….”
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Isaiah 35: 3, 5
The elderly man came into the recreation center and headed for one of the nautilus exercise machines in the far corner of the room. He was one of our parishioners and well-known in the community, but since he is now in his mid-eighties, we were surprised to see him there. “John” had read about the record amount of weight for his age bracket on this particular machine and he wanted to break the record. He tried for a little while to push more than 200 lbs with his legs, and then decided the record would have to wait for another day.
With the end of Lent in sight, most of us are ready to welcome the spirit of renewal that comes with Easter morning resurrection. Many of us long for stronger hands and knees, for eyes that can see a little better and ears that can hear without hearing aids. Even though we live in a kaleidoscope world where change seems to be spinning out of control, we hope for the day when all things become new, especially if renewed physical health will be among those things. On that first Easter morning, earth was under new management, even if it was with the same old workers, many of whom didn’t grasp the new “vision statement.” Because of the Resurrection, we can anticipate the day when God’s Kingdom, finally, will be whole and complete, and so will we.
Meanwhile, there are many ways we can have resurrection here and now. Where do we need to sweep the old away to allow something new to take hold? Are there relationships we have allowed to wither or become stagnant for far too long? With a card, or a call or an invitation, something new might begin; something not tied to the past. Do you know someone who lost faith along the way? Sometimes kindness can open a door that will help them find their way home. Where can we bring about renewal of the earth? Even lettuce can be grown in a pot. Seeds costing no more than a single head of lettuce can grow enough for several weeks of salad. Three tomato plants can produce enough tomatoes to feed a small family all season.
Finally, resurrection can happen within us. In the words of Psalm 51:10 we pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” If we have winter in our hearts, it can come to an end. It’s time to open the windows of our souls, and pour the light of Easter out for others. Even while we anticipate God’s Kingdom, we can experience the joy of sharing new life. It’s up to us to roll away small stones and bring about little resurrections in relationships, or to plant seeds in the soil and to sow seeds of faith in souls. Even with feeble hands and feet, poor hearing and weak eyes, we can bear the power of the risen Christ.
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.