Do You Notice a Contradiction In Life?

Spring at Nazareth

Do you notice a contradiction in life these days? Around here at Nazareth we are graced with the beauty of nature. The trees are so full of blossoms and the birds are singing. Delight is brought to our hearts. Yet at the same time we pray daily for the many areas of true brokenness that also surrounds us. The many war torn areas on our sacred earth. I wonder, what do the trees look like in Lybia, in Afghanistan. I've read that the palm tree is indigenous to Lybia and that the stone pine tree is abundant in areas of Afghanistan. But I wonder, can the children there play safely under these trees? Can someone like myself sit under one of these trees and delight in its beauty? Surely this longing within humanity to pause and delight in nature is common to us all.

So the contradiction? How long will nature, the earth and our own nature be held between beauty and disaster? We know that globally the forests of our planet are in danger and therefore we too are in danger for these forests give us life. How long will nature be held in the contradiction of life and disaster?

Trees of Libya

As we take in the wonder of nature and delight in its beauty, let us hold in prayer the fragility of all people and all nature. As so many of us struggle for freedom and the just reverencing of all humanity regardless of ethnicity, race, religion or gender, let us find hope in the constancy of the earth and her fruit to regenerate year after year, if we but care and not despair.

As nature blossoms forth here at Nazareth and as in seeming contradiction, we hold so much suffering in our hearts and prayers we can find hope in knowing that deep within our being we are all one.

Nazareth Retreat Center offerings Easter Greetings to all. May these days be joyous times of knowing God's unconditional love for us all.

We are excited about our upcoming events and invite you to consider joining us for some of these events.

Trees of Afghanistan

As part of our effort to promote a healthy lifestyle, we are following up our successful Tai Chi class with a series of 6 Yoga Classes for Beginners,starting April 18. Jennifer Hurst, an experienced instructor from the Bardstown area will lead us in these classes.

We are also taking applications for our next Internship in Spiritual Direction which will begin in September. If you are interested please see our web site or contact me at the Retreat Center.

We have a number of varied retreat opportunities slated for the summer months which are listed below. We are looking forward to the concert and workshop to be given by internationally known composer and performer of sacred music, David Haas

Your presence here at Nazareth is always such a blessing to us. In addition we need your participation in this important ministry to keep it a vibrant resource for the community at large. So please consider coming out to spend some time apart with us.

Again, Easter blessings to you and yours.

Sharon