Pockets in clothing are very handy. Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo on the popular children’s television show from 1955 to 1984, got his name because of the big pockets on his jacket. Pockets are useful for magicians who are concealing playing cards or other props for illusions. Pockets are convenient, leaving hands free from carrying handbags or other burdens.

 In a broader sense, pockets are small areas that make up bigger areas. I suggest we consider the little pockets in our daily lives that deserve some examination during this Easter season.

One such life pocket could hold some small prejudices. Just as God raised Jesus from death and opened the tomb, so we can open our hearts to new life and leave prejudices and rash judgments behind. Certainly, we need to avoid near occasions of sin, but sometimes a lack of self-confidence or memories of past failures or shortcomings can blind us to new possibilities for graces and blessings. Perhaps circumstances have changed and a grudge we hold or a lesson we had learned long ago needs to be reassessed. We might have to move things to a few different pockets, maybe ones that are bigger or have different openings.

Another life pocket could be the place we store our evangelistic witness stories. We might not pay attention to how many stories are really in that pocket, especially if we don’t pull some out now and then to share with someone else or to refer to in one of our prayers of gratitude.

Still another life pocket could involve our creativity and talents or gifts. False humility or lack of self-confidence might just keep that pocket flap buttoned up. In yesterday’s gospel reading, addressing the disciples,

 Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I

   send you. (John 20:21)

 We are challenged in this Easter season to humbly spread the good news of the gospel to others with our gift of speech and by example. We are sent by our risen Lord. Through our baptism, we are born of water and the Spirit. Our gift pockets are overflowing with possibilities!

 Pockets are very useful for keeping things close and handy. Some of them might be near our hearts where love resides. Just as the risen Jesus wished peace to his disciples when he appeared to them, may our pockets be brimming with joy and peace to enjoy and offer to the people we encounter. Alleluia! Jesus is risen! May we keep our pockets open for Holy possibilities!

    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may

   abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Have you noticed that we can look at something and not really see it? Either our attention isn’t well focused, or we are distracted by preconceived ideas or hesitations. The Holy Spirit can help us see better in many circumstances. I suggest that we visit my word-beach and collect some “see-shalls”.

Those who see beyond themselves and their own agendas and spend their time and creativity loving others shall be surprisingly rewarded.

Those who honestly see the error in some of their thoughts, words, or deeds, and work to correct their bad choices shall find renewal and refreshment with the Holy Spirit’s help.

Those who, with clear eyesight, see the equality of all God’s children—our brothers and sisters—and treat everyone fairly shall share the joy of new friendships and freedoms.

Those who see the importance of not dwelling in the past but making the most of the present shall experience new confidence and a stronger trust in our loving Father, God.

Those who humbly see their brothers’ and sisters’ need for forgiveness and willingly offer it shall receive forgiveness themselves and peacefully enjoy reconciliation with the Lord.