My level of activity over the last three months since colon cancer surgery has been minimal. For multiple reasons, I have stayed very close to home. Yesterday was the first time I ventured out more than an hour away from the house. It was indeed good for my soul to be renewed with the wonders of God’s beautiful creation and the sacramental life of the Church.
Margaret and I arrived in Estes Park, Colorado early in the afternoon. After driving around town amid the throngs of people, we made our way back to Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church. The parking lot was empty, but thankfully, the sacristan arrived shortly after we did and unlocked the church. We had approximately 30 minutes before the Sacrament of Penance would be offered. Praying quietly in an empty church is always precious, but there is definitely a sense of added peace in this beautiful and sacred space.
Before we entered into the church, I took time to stroll around the premises. The stations of the cross and other small shrines dot the landscape with the lake and mountains in the background. Tranquility can be experienced on a whole new level in this setting.
During my downtime over these last few months, I have had the opportunity to spend much more time in prayer, reading Sacred Scripture, and doing other types of spiritual reading as well. Since the month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have been reading a book written in the 1600’s by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s spiritual director. It is powerful indeed. The stained-glass window in the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus/Divine Mercy captured my attention. Reading words on a page stimulates one’s senses in a particular way, but seeing the depiction in art touches the heart in a very unique way as well.
The connection of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Eucharist is experienced in an even more profound way on Corpus Christi weekend. Grace upon grace is poured out upon us.
The beauty of the church draws you into the sacred space ready for worship.
A stained-glass window of Our lady of the Mountains stands out prominently on the side.
“Be not afraid.” That serves as a good reminder from Pope St. John Paul II.
Timed entry into Rocky Mountain National Park is in effect from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Thankfully, our arrival at 5:30 pm not only provided us with easy entry into the park, but the animals were also active as well. We saw elk, deer, and turkey in numerous locations.
Although snowfall was limited during the winter, a few spring snowfalls provided a little moisture in the higher elevations.
Renewed in heart, mind, and spirit, we made our way back home. My stamina is not what it was before surgery, but it is improving. I am grateful for God’s many blessings in my life. The ability to enjoy this day was a tremendous gift.
Blessings and peace to each of you!