Spring is the season that gives us hope

IN conversations over the past few weeks, many people have commented that “spring seems to be on the way”.

So I thought I’d look up when spring officially begins. I hadn’t realised that there are two schools of thought.

According to the astronomical calendar, spring begins on March 20 this year, so it isn’t far away, but for the meteorological calendar it has just begun, because it always begins on March 1.

But, regardless of these two different official starts to spring, it is a season that I very much enjoy. It’s a time when the earth awakens from its winter slumber and begins to burst forth with new life.

So it’s a particularly lovely time to get out into the garden or to enjoy a walk in the park or the local countryside. As the days lengthen and the weather begins to improve, and we see plants and flowers emerging from the soil, it’s little wonder that the season of spring lifts our spirits.

The cold and dark bleakness of winter gradually gives way to more warmth and brighter days. The increased daylight hours give us the feeling of having a little more energy and enables our bodies to produce a little more serotonin, our “happy hormone”, which helps to improve our mood, our sense of well-being.

It’s little wonder that spring seems to renew the hope in our hearts.

A sense of hope is so important at this time. As a Christian, my hope is ultimately founded on God’s goodness and his ultimate plan for each of us and for the world.

That said, I know that I cannot simply fold my arms and wait for better times. I am called, in response to Christ, to play a part in creating of a more just society and peaceful world by being just and peaceful in my daily relationships, and by recognising and responding to opportunities to be kind and helpful to others.

What keeps me hopeful is the example of people across the world and in our society, many of whom, though not all, are people of faith, who are now actively volunteering in war-torn and dangerous situations to bring much-needed relief to others in the form of food and water, medicine and shelter.

Nearer to home, I think of those people who volunteer and give generously of their time to support the sadly much needed food banks and warm spaces, and of those who help care for the homeless, the lonely, and those struggling with their mental well-being.

Being reminded that there is much generosity, kindness and practical love in our wider world, and in our own society, will certainly help keep fresh the hope in my heart this spring. ■■Bishop Patrick Mckinney is the Catholic Bishop of Nottingham