Religion & Spirituality
The Coronavirus has been spreading, causing many to fear and panic. In this episode, Fr. Ruff reminds us that as Christians, We are People of Hope. Especially during this Lenten “Springtime,” we are reminded of our call to live in love, not fear. This reflection helps us remember what truly matters – our relationship with Christ.Key Mentions:The Season of LentRite of Christian Initiation of AdultsKey Quotes:“This we have as an anchor of the soul,sure and firm, which reaches into the interior behind the veil.” – Hebrews 6:19“Our great, true hope, which holds firm in spite of all disappointments, can only be God. God who has loved us and continues to love us to the end until all is accomplished. Whoever is moved by love begins to perceive what life really is. She or he begins to perceive the meaning of the word of “Hope” that we encountered in our own Baptismal Rite: “From faith I await eternal life, that is the true life which whole and unthreatened in all its fullness is simply life.” – Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi (2007 Encyclical)“A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10“When you fast,do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” – Matthew 6:16-18"Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidenceof things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1The Instinct of Hopeby John ClareIs there another world for this frail dustTo warm with life and be itself again?Something about me daily speaks there must,And why should instinct nourish hopes in vain?'Tis nature's prophesy that such will be,And everything seems struggling to explainThe close sealed volume of its mystery.Time wandering onward keeps its usual paceAs seeming anxious of eternity,To meet that calm and find a resting place.E'en the small violet feels a future powerAnd waits each year renewing blooms to bring,And surely man is no inferior flowerTo die unworthy of a second spring? Connect with Fr. Ruff:Please send your comments, questions, and feedback to rufflyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com. We would greatly appreciate any thoughts you have about this podcast project!