“A man named John was sent from God. He came to testify to the light….” John 1:6
Among early Christians there was a custom of saying a blessing when the household lamps were lit: “Praise God who sends us the light of heaven.”
The Jewish Sabbath observance begins with the ritual lighting of candles by the woman of the house, a reminder that light was one of the first acts of creation. The Sabbath ends with the father saying a prayer, his hands spread towards a lighted candle, toward the light, as if longing for it.
Isaiah wrote: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone.” (Isaiah 9:1)
What could be clearer than that? And yet it led to so many not seeing Jesus when He came. All through history it often seems that the chosen one, one who has a great gift, to do a great work, to influence the ages, is the unlikely one; the youngest rather than the eldest, the meek and humble not the strong and proud, the unlettered rather than the learned, the rejected not the accepted one.
In stillness our spirit clarifies. It becomes pure and transparent. The God who’s Spirit abides within us then shines through our spirit, just as sunlight shines through water. This is what we call purity of heart. This is what allows us to see God.
Saying our mantra, our prayer word faithfully, simply and lovingly, brings us to that stillness where we see the light clearly both within and around us. Seeing this light is the only secure basis of contentment and peace. Let us mindfully walk this Advent journey on the path that leads us further into the stillness.
- Sr. Rose Marie Tulacz, SND
ndcreation@aol.com
