It is that time of year again when anyone engaged in agriculture, whether farming, gardening or visiting fruit and vegetable markets, begins to harvest the fruit of their work. Already, the peaches are about ready to pick. Beats, beans, tomatoes, Swiss Chard, cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, kale, lettuce and other wonderful eats are being picked. I have already hoed my garden for the last time and planted a cover crop in the aisles. The hoe has been put away for another season.
Already, I’ve noticed the days are getting shorter and in about a month we will have the fall equinox. Hunters are planting food plots, setting up blinds, and scouting deer with their trail cameras. I’m looking forward to the fall coolness, colors, final harvesting of vegetables, canning and freezing, and sharing the abundance.
Of all this, one thing I am looking especially forward to is St. Michael’s Lent. While not an official season of the Church Calendar, those who voluntarily participate find it a time of reflection, renewal, and growth in the spiritual life. St. Michael’s Lent has its origins with St. Francis of Assisi who encouraged continued spiritual practices in the non-liturgical church seasons. Beginning August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven and lasting forty days until September 29, participants are encouraged to practice prayer, fasting, and charity, much like the Lenton season just before Easter.
To give St. Michael’s Lent some structure a group of men at our parish is gathering once per week to give support for our practice on the spiritual journey. In these meetings we will be sharing our highs and lows and praying with each other. Also, we will be partnering with another man called an anchor who we hope to speak with each day to get and give support. We did this last year, and it was great.
Like the Season of Lent in the Spring, I find this a time to calm down a little bit from the very active life, pray more, read more, relax more, and take out time for God. It is also a time to prepare for battle and to fight our three-fold enemy, Satan, the world, and the flesh, who are constantly at work to deceive us, make empty promises, and to separate us from the peace, joy, and happiness that can only be found in God. Anyone who wishes to join us in the practices of St. Michael’s Lent can contact me at (989) 418-1875.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
Saturday, August 23, 2025
