Here in New England and many other parts of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, it is currently "sugaring season." This season lasts for about six weeks, from late February through mid-April, during which maple trees are "tapped" for their sap.
During the period known as the "sap run," the frozen sap inside the maple tree begins to thaw and circulate, causing pressure to build up within the tree. When the pressure within the tree reaches a certain level, the sap will flow out from any new wound or injury on the tree.
Farmers and producers collect the crystal-clear sap and boil it in an evaporator over a blazing hot fire. Only water is removed, and nothing is added. The sap becomes more concentrated until it becomes maple syrup.
Maple syrup, which is often paired with pancakes or French toast, is a parable of what it means to love as God loves us. By allowing our self-centeredness to be boiled away, we can transform our lives in the grace and peace of God.
May we have the faith of a grain of wheat, which dies to itself to bear fruit in God's harvest of justice and forgiveness. May we also embrace the faith of a spring maple tree, willing to give ourselves for the sake of others as Christ gave himself up for us. In doing so, we will allow ourselves to be transformed by the life and love of the Risen Christ.
Homily for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King
Homily for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and His Companions
Homily for Thanksgiving Day
Homily for the Memorial of St. Cecilia
Homily for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Homily for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Tuesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
Homily for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours
Homily for the Memorial of St. Leo the Great
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)