On Friday I received an email, like on most days, from Flickr saying one of my contacts has uploaded a new photo. The photo was the one shown here, taken by a priest who resides in England. It is such a simple photo. Nothing particularly spectacular about it. But it resonated with me. It marked the day. The first day of Pope Benedict’s retirement, still so odd to say it, the Pope’s resignation, his retirement, he quit, the Pope has left the building! But this umbrella, as described by the photographer, is a symbol when open that the Pope is in residence at the Vatican, thus when it is closed he is away. I thought how strange it feels, our little traditions that number our days. Much in the way we fold up our umbrellas marking the end of a long lazy summer, or put away our Christmas decorations after some months of partying and preparing for the birth of our Savior. These traditions mark an ending but also a period of waiting; a time in between. We’re waiting for rejuvenation. Summer is over, but the fall ushers in celebrations. The Christmas tree is boxed up and stored for another year, but Easter awaits us. That is our faith isn’t it? Waiting, marking time, the seasons as they pass until we enter into our Easter. Waiting for the umbrella to be opened because the King is in residence. Have a great Lent.

 

Photo By Fr. Lawrence OP
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/8518624840/