catholicsphere

Today is the first day of Spring.

It’s also my son’s 4th birthday.

And, it’s the 4th anniversary of the start of the war on Iraq.

I recall sitting in a hospital room on this day 4 years ago, watching as the war was launched; the so-called campaign of “shock and awe”. I certainly wasn’t shocked and I wasn’t awed …

My thought on that day was “how could we bring a child into this kind of world?” That wasn’t a regret of our decision (and God’s blessing to us); my wife and I have never lost any faith or confidence in God. In fact, such things draw us closer to God, Who alone can put us at peace.

About 1 1/2 years prior to that, on September 11th, I recall thinking something similar, as I rode on the train from my office in downtown Chicago which was closed due to the terrorist acts to get back home to my wife and daughter. Faith reassured us that despite all that, we need not fear.

Spring gives us hope of new life, and specifically we recognize that in our upcoming celebration of Easter … after a season of winter in Lent (even though we are far from dormant).

As you hear (and have been hearing) about the 4th anniversary of the war on Iraq, be at peace in your heart, for Jesus Christ has already won the most significant war, over sin and evil. Live in that hope and of that assurance.

May the peace of God be with you.

Happy Birthday, Riley!