It’s Pumpkin Season! And how do I know? Well, if you live out on the East of Long Island, the LONG lines of traffic flowing from the city to the farms is outrageous! Locals stay home, as it can be impossible to get out of your driveway. Believe me, this is not far from the truth! So instead of picking on traffic congestion I thought I’d pick a pumpkin!
There is a prayer that resurfaces online during this time of year, and I always look forward to it as a reminder of how a Christian is like a pumpkin. There is no author, but nonetheless it is inspiring. You can keep these thoughts before you in prayer, or better still, while you are carving a Pumpkin, or creating a Christian!
The first thing you do is pick out a pumpkin from the patch or the store. Remember that Jesus has picked you to be his very own and you are special. Next, you take the Pumpkin home and clean it off, just as our sins have been washed away through Baptism. It is then that you begin to form your original pumpkin carving (or Christian).
To get to the inside of the pumpkin, the top needs to be cut off. This is like the opening of our minds so we can learn more about God’s ways. Today, I am learning how to recognize the messages of hope that come when I am in need. What do you want or need to learn about God?
Now, the fun part, we get to scoop out the insides consisting of seeds and some pumpkin mush! As a Christian we need to clean out those seeds of betrayal, disappointment, greed, anger, jealousy, hatred and doubt. It isn’t the easiest part, and can be messy, but so is life.
Ah, now the carving begins. First the eyes. As Christians, it is vital to learn how to see with the eyes of God. Do I see people as they can be, or do I judge? Can I see with the eyes of love despite challenges? This is a tall order, but not impossible. Practice makes perfect and I am sure I’m not the only one who needs practice. The nose is next. Do I appreciate what God has given me? Am I grateful, or do I put my nose up at what has been given, meanwhile, desiring more or something better?
Now for the mouth; this can be a real challenge in so many ways. Do the words I say, ‘speak life’? Do my words bring people closer to God, or send them running? Can I be silent when opinions may differ radically? Does my mouth bear a smile that speaks of God’s love? Does it share God’s joy?
Last but not least, the ears. These can be difficult to carve and to function. Do I hear only what I want to hear and block out everything else? Do I listen to people, or am I preparing my answer for when they finish speaking? It is at times hard to listen to things we don’t want to hear, but is it the truth?
Carving a pumpkin and creating a Christian is a lot of work, but worth the effort when the candle is placed inside. No matter what the pumpkin looks like it is part of God’s creation, with your help. Once the candle is lit, light will shine forth and permeate the space, spreading God’s love and wisdom. Strive to be that light of God inside the pumpkin, inside that Christian.
Till next week, happy carving!
Sister Theresita
