Yet, God has provided this season for a more obvious purpose, as Connie Habash describes in her article, “Autumn, A Time of Reflection.” 

“It’s October, and we’re arrived at the fall season; the time of depth, release, and going within. The leaves are turning and it’s a time of letting go – but it’s also the perfect season for reflection.

Fall brings up memories. We even see this represented by the turned colors. The spent leaves symbolize the past, no longer part of the vital present as they become dry and decompose into the forest floor. This is a helpful time to look back, not to ruminate or regret, but to reminisce with thoughtfulness.” Here, possibly a few themes of Autumn reflection—thoughtfulness—that may be fitting for pause and consideration. 

Letting Go and Release: As the leaves change colors, fall and decompose, they serve as a powerful symbol for the invitation of letting go of what no longer serve us: old habits, burdens, or possessions that have run their course.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Reflection and Inner Wisdom: Within the serene, inward turning nature of autumn we are invited into quiet reflection and listening to one's soul—the voice of our Creator—calling us to discern what needs to be released, and what Christian virtues need to be nurtured.

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Harvest and Gratitude: As our rural landscape of corn and beans—golden brown—are harvested and the soil turned, Autumn invites an appreciation for the blessings we have taken for granted, the comforts that encouraged our complacency, and abundance received, reminding us to take stock and share our bounty.  “a time to search & a time to give up, a time to keep & a time to throw away.” (Ecclesiastes 3:6)

Preparation and Hope: Autumn is nature’s preparation for winter—trees letting go of leaves and retreating, gardens tilled, lawns dormant—remind us to prepare for future challenges in the seasons ahead while fostering hope that new growth is possible.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)  

Beauty and Impermanence: Taking notice of the annual fall colors—hues of brown, yellow, orange, red—as the leaves die and let go highlights the beauty and the ‘pensiveness’ found in change and impermanence, showing that endings can be just as graceful as beginnings. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” (1Peter 5:7)

Transition and Renewal: Autumn marks a brief, reflective transition from the delights of summer to the sharpness of winter, a transformation, while sometimes disquieting, is our Creator’s reminder of the sacred journey toward new beginnings. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares God, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) 

I leave you with a relevant, thought provoking poem by the young poet, Lin Yutang:

I like spring, but it is too young. 

I like summer, but it is too proud.

So I like best of all autumn, because its leaves are a little yellow, its tones mellower, its colors richer, and it is tinged

a little with sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not

of the innocence of spring, nor of the power of summer, but

of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age.

It knows the limitations of life and is content.

God Bless, Fr. Tim