Snow and the Spiritual Life

What does snow have to do with the spiritual life?

Editor’s Comment: Many of us might not think there is a connection — between the two — other than that the fresh, sparkling snow manifests the glory and wonder and power of the Almighty. Here, I am reminded of the canticle, proclaimed with one voice by the three young men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) who were thrown in the furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship a golden statue he had set up. One of the lines of that canticle, which the Church prays on many Sundays, feasts and solemnities, during the Liturgy of the Hours’ Morning Prayer, is “Ice and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever” (cf Daniel 3:6, 19-20, 70).

In this video, Father Michael Najim is able to draw a lesson from the snow and translate that into a bit of spiritual direction for us.  He posted this six years ago, in January of 2011, during a particularly snowy winter in Rhode Island; but, his spiritual message continues to be both relevant and timeless. As well, it’s good advice for growing in holiness throughout the coming year. … And, yes, Father Najim really does not like the cold weather!

Video, and feature image video still, used for this post: courtesy of Father Michael Najim and used with permission.