As we await yet another snow storm, immediate and stimulating thoughts come to our minds. For some of us, the amount of snow irritates us to the point of anger and frustration. The amount of human strength needed to clear our driveways and sidewalks is overwhelming. For others, the accumulation of snow outside of our homes is a normal Canadian way of life, which doesn’t surprise them at all. It is a way of life to be accepted. However, for some, this wintery wonderland can be a time of isolation and loneliness. As we think of these perceptions, we can understand how experiences can differ for each one of us.

Despite our differences, one reality remains the same: with each Canadian winter we can always expect snow. It comes to us regardless of our perceptions, likes and dislikes. Snow, much like rain, covers everything, which in effect, brings life to earth as we know it. The snow we see outside our window, which covers our landscape, prepares the earth for a new season and a new possibility to sustain life on our planet. We see the result each spring as we witness the lush green growth emerge from the ground. As we examine this reality, how can we not be amazed by the complexity of our world which doesn’t depend on our perception? As snow continues to fall, life on earth follows its own natural law. It is independent and continual. It is a mysterious power, which enables us to share in its living beauty.

When we look at God’s image from the perspective of the Church, a similar reality reveals itself in the life of each one of us. The grace of God or the energy of God, is freely given to humanity, which rejuvenates the entire universe regardless of the season of the year. This happens if we want it or not. The grace of God sustains the life in the world, without which the entire universe would cease to exist. The expansion of the universe, as modern scientists observe, affirm the presence of a Higher Power - God, who maintains the universe according to His own logic and natural law. The grace of God allows humanity to exist and to develop its ability to increase the capacity of the understanding of the world. The grace of God allows each one of us to say: I am and I exist. In this perspective, each one of us has the potential to experience life, love, joy happiness, which are the expressions of our internal life. In reality, the grace of God allows us as human beings to move forward and to experience life, which comes from the revelation of God. The grace of God is given to us freely, without any price or condition. As a free gift from God, we are capable not only to experience life in itself, but we also have the potential to choose. If life on earth would depend on our worthiness, the life we know would never exist. God gives us life freely as our Father, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. This is the greatness of God: to give life without waiting for a positive or negative response from us.

From another perspective, everything we observe in the universe moves and originates from God’s energy/grace. God creates and God sustains His creation by His continual outpouring of his Divine love. Just like a blanket of white snow that covers our landscape to prepare it for growth and renewal, so does God’s freely given grace. If we would only respond to His invitation positively and with gratitude, the world we know, would be a different place. If we would only appreciate the gift we are given every single moment, we would openly and freely protect and venerate what was given to us. While we sleep, God keeps continual watch over His entire creation, making sure that the white blanket of snow that promises growth and renewal never ceases to fall on humanity.