Recess time

Children spend an awful lot of time in school each day.  A formal day may well include structured time for reading, projects, learning new lessons, in short for lots of mind work, but mind work can be and often is tiring.  Built into the structure of each school day (at least for those in elementary levels of education) is a provided break called recess: a chance to refocus the mind, a chance to get some fresh air.

Two weeks and a few days after the beginning of the Lenten period of prayer and preparation, traditionally a liturgically intense time that invites us to intense awareness of the lessons calling us to deepen our relationships with God, with others and with ourselves, this day is a chance to get some fresh air.  The liturgical Solemnity of the Annunciation changes our focus and places it rather on the Virgin Mary, and the moment at which she first received the news that she would bear the Son of God, preparing him for this world, giving him all he would need to become one of us.  What an awesome opportunity!  What a profound responsibility!

How long did the conversation actually last between the Nazareen woman and the heavenly apparition?  All we have are snippets of the exchange.  The questions asked by the human display ever deepening levels of logic (according to human reasoning), but every question asked received an answer, and where there is no logical reason to doubt, the only other alternative is to accept the proposition tabled.

This conversation between heavenly bodies and us is not confined to the writings of history or scripture.  It happens every day, even today, between God and us.  At issue are the many ways in which we (human beings) either refuse to listen, or are too afraid to enter the conversation.  This conversation calls for special ears, able to listen not only for vocal communication but also to spiritual stirrings.  It necessitates willingness on the part of humans to look beyond our own egos, our own desire for control, and to face the 'demons' that are revealed whenever we are challenged to overcome our own insecurity.

Recess used to be about relaxation, about getting fresh air.  Perhaps when we grow up, recess continues to refresh our souls, even as it may add new challenges and opportunities.