Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent

Here in New England and many other parts of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, it is currently "sugaring season." This season lasts for about six weeks, from late February through mid-April, during which maple trees are "tapped" for their sap.

During the period known as the "sap run," the frozen sap inside the maple tree begins to thaw and circulate, causing pressure to build up within the tree. When the pressure within the tree reaches a certain level, the sap will flow out from any new wound or injury on the tree.

Farmers and producers collect the crystal-clear sap and boil it in an evaporator over a blazing hot fire. Only water is removed, and nothing is added. The sap becomes more concentrated until it becomes maple syrup.

Maple syrup, which is often paired with pancakes or French toast, is a parable of what it means to love as God loves us. By allowing our self-centeredness to be boiled away, we can transform our lives in the grace and peace of God.

May we have the faith of a grain of wheat, which dies to itself to bear fruit in God's harvest of justice and forgiveness. May we also embrace the faith of a spring maple tree, willing to give ourselves for the sake of others as Christ gave himself up for us. In doing so, we will allow ourselves to be transformed by the life and love of the Risen Christ.