In our scripture this weekend, we learn of the unbelievably powerful promises which are fulfilled. There are two summits involved in these experiences, one is on Mount Moriah with our beloved Abraham and the other is on Mount Tabor with our Savior Jesus. We all recall that Abraham, our father in faith, had uprooted his family and traveled across the Fertile Crescent to an unknown land. Abraham, who struggled and became overwhelmed, trudged steadily forward on the particular and singular promise that his and Sarah's children would be as numerous as the stars on clear, cool nights and as many as the sands.

Our first reading this weekend, which is from the Book of Genesis, is a frequently told and fondly remembered story. Although this story is often considered primarily a children's tale, the meaning of the story of Noah has a powerful insight for adults of all ages, from teen years until eighties and nineties. Bear in mind that the tale of Noah relates the story of God's first covenant with the chosen people. In fact, we realize that this covenant comes as something of a surprise to Noah and also to one and all.

I notice after the 4 PM Mass on Saturdays that there is now a decent amount of light. Now after days of darkness and long nights, we can now look forward to springtime when, several minutes at a time, each day lengthens. Yes, on Groundhog Day it was announced that there were at least 6 more weeks of winter, but we need to remember we are now halfway through the cold and icy season. My daydreaming and thoughts have now shifted towards my flower gardens.

Sometimes we are so busy completing what is on our list for each day, that our focus is to get to the end of everything. As a result we often miss the very good and wonderful that is right in front of us. We are engaged in frantic activity that is purely frantic because we fail to enjoy what is going on in the moment in front of us. We race about to get to the future and do not recognize or enjoy the present.