Huge billows of dust floating across the fields, like storms clouds clearly disclosed where the farmers were working late into the night to harvest their crops.

Driving along the fields, and watching the gigantic machines consume the crops, I was once again reminded of the amount of refuse discharged back into the fields, while only a small amount of grain was funneled into the hopper to be transported to the storage bins.

From time to time during the past few months, yard sale signs have been popping up like mushrooms throughout the neighborhood. It is amazing how people flock to yard sales searching for some great "bargain," even though they don't really need the "object." The truth being known, it does not improve or better their life, and frequently it never gets used. It was a waste of time and money. Yard sales seem to become an addiction for some people!

The blessed ashes no longer are visible, but their message still resonates: you are dust and into dust you shall return; repent and believe the Good News. These exhortations warn of the brevity of life and the impending dangers resulting from the folly of sin. Hopefully they will motivate us to repent; help us to believe the message of love and forgiveness that Jesus proclaimed, and trust in his promise of a new and lasting life.

Christmas has silently faded into history like a melting snowman on a warm sunny day, and the New Year has welcomed us like a sweet grandmother embracing her grandchild after months of separation. By the time we celebrated the feast of the Epiphany, all the lovely Christmas trees and decorations, including the manger scenes were packed away, and most people will likely give little notice, if any, to the coming of the three Wise Men; when Christ reveals himself to the Gentile world.

In preparation for Thanksgiving, the farmer stuffs his flock of turkeys with the most fattening feed, so that they will gain weight; then the cooks meticulously stuff them with well seasoned dressing so they will be tantalizing to all who gather to celebrate, and those who partake, stuff themselves. Thanksgiving seems to be a time for stuffing; not only the turkey but ourselves as well; still many neglect to take time to thank God by gathering for the celebration of Mass, or by some special time in prayer that day.