Once again the season of winter has come.  Some people are glad to see winter come.  As I get older I look forward to Spring more and more. The winter weather causes us to slow down and be more aware of the weather conditions.  Snow, wind, and ice are not friendly to us. Best to sit it out.  With extra downtime, meditation on the scriptures and prayer is good. One of our Franciscan professors told us to read the scripture and apply common sense to the message presented.  It is best to start with the first 5 books of the Bible. Then read Mathew, Mark, and Luke.  Then read some of the letters of St. Paul. Some think to start at the beginning and read to the end.  This would bring confusion. What prayers to say?  Our daily rosary is the best.  Divine Mercy chaplet is good. There are daily litanies to the Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart of Jesus which are old and time true prayers. This continued spiritual formation helps the dark cold days of winter pass to the season of Lent.                                                            
                                                                                                                  Rev. Douglas Decker