By Sister Mary Scholastica, O.C.D.
“Even a tiny flame lifts the heavy lid of night.”
This quote from Pope St. John Paul II seems so very pertinent to our Advent season and in relation to our world today where darkness seems to surround us. It is most striking. In a darkened room, no matter the size, light a candle and experience the fear of darkness retreating, see the contours in the room that you were unable to see before, move around confidently without fear of stumbling – all that from a single lighted candle.
The season of Advent reminds us to light our candles and to carry it around for all to see. Not to draw attention to ourselves, but to remind others of the light of Christ that is coming into the world and to remind us, as well, of the goodness that lies in the heart of all mankind. It’s what we long for even if we might not be aware of it.
This drawing close to the Lord, Who is at the same time always near us, is what ignites the flame within us. By our choices in life, we can choose to dim it, extinguish it, fan it into brighter flames or pass it on to others. Your family, co-workers, your neighbors and friends need you to live fully and faithfully the life you have been called to live – one that draws near to the Lord becoming a reflection of His light which is the light that never goes out. And by your fidelity, the fire within you will light up and spread to all corners of the world. It’s how God chooses to move in the mystery of grace and redemption – He asks us to walk with Him in bringing the light of Christ into a darkened world, one person at a time, one step at a time.
May you be a tiny flame lifting the heavy lid of night this day and every day of your lives.
