The Daffodil Principle -- Part Deux

Hopefully you viewed the slideshow, The Daffodil Principle, in my previous post.

I encountered this slideshow yesterday as part of our final prayer experience at the CCMA Development Institute. This was my first time to view this Powerpoint presentation. For me, multiple spiritual connections surfaced.

First, our conference theme was based on John 10:10 -- "I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." This Scripture quote is engraved above the doorways of the lecture hall at St. Thomas More Chapel.

Friday morning prayer was not a part of our agenda. This slide show was suggested by Fr. Bob Beloin, St. Thomas More Chapel and Catholic Student Center director. To me, the Holy Spirit appointed Fr. Bob to serve as His advocate through this presentation.

Second, this reflection could not have been more appropriate to reflect John 10:10 and to conclude a wonderful week of fellowship and community with 40+ members of Christ's Body across this country.

Third, the daffodil is a symbol of hope. As ministers, in this case campus ministry and development ministers, we are in the "business," if you will, of bringing the Easter message to our fellow brothers and sisters -- whether they be Catholic Christians or otherwise. And, when I think about it, daffodils usually are one of the first flowers of spring to burst forth from the winter snows and proclaim the season of Resurrection is near! Think about the highest liturgy we as Christians and Roman Catholics celebrate each year .... Easter! Upon entering the church, think about the environment. The sanctuary is filled with Easter lilies and daffodils They fill the air with a very fragrant scent throughout the church proclaiming New Life! A very Paschal Mystery-oriented perspective of such a simple, yet beautiful, flower and its connection to the Easter mystery.

Fourth, more than 500 acres of daffodils sprung forth by the leadership of one simple person planting one bulb. Now, if that isn't John 10:10 in complete revealation of abundance, I don't know what is!!!

The message of the Daffodil Principle is very simple, yet charges each of us to take responsibility to shape our destinities and our baptismal call at the same time. Each of us was created with gifts, talents and charisms. Through baptism, we become empowered by Christ to accomplish His mission of making a difference in the world. Matthew 28:19 states, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Ironically, this Scripture quote appears above the baptismal font in the St. Thomas More Chapel!

Twenty years ago, the movie, "Dead Poet's Society" the Latin phrase, "Carpe diem," meaning "seize the day (or opportunity) was John Keating's (Robin Williams character) memorable charge to his male students. I think the Daffodil Principle gently communicates this concept to us as well. Further, the daffodil symbolizes this Latin phrase as well! The daffodil "takes action" by perservering to burst forth through the darkness of the cold earth to announce to humanity to have hope as winter is almost over! Thus, if we think and act positively through the dark times of our lives we will break through the barriers before us. The key is to keep Christ in the center as none of us can do or go through this life alone -- specifically from the spiritual facet.

Today is a new day ... a new beginning ... to work toward changing the world by one step and one person at a time. Are you ready to take this bus ride or choose to pass? Don't delay too long because each day is a gift given to us with a "no return policy" -- how did I use or waste it today?

Seize the day, my friends! "Therefore, go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!"

How many daffodils will you encounter today in God's Garden? Whether we realize it or not, we are a part of His vast, bountiful and beautiful Garden. Thus, start with yourself by appreciating the fragrance and color your daffodil brings to this broken world!