"Wilderness Rejoices"

If a mustard seed can grow into large bushes or trees where birds can find refuge, and if seed sown on the earth can sprout and yield an abundant harvest of grain, how much more can God's grace transform the wilderness of our hearts, illness, death of a loved one, or a tragic accident into a bright meadow where flowers sparkle in the sun and indeed, the "wilderness rejoices?"  So it is here at the beginning of this Marist Youth Encounter Christ retreat in Esopus, NY where 56 eager juniors and seniors have entered into such a transformation.  We pray and sacrifice that by Sunday we will witness a harvest of joy.
Bro. Rene