Just 4 More . . .

Today is the first day of winter and officially the shortest day of the year. It seems appropriate on a day when the sun shows itself the least for us to meditate a bit more on light.

Enjoy an adaptation of Fr. Joachim's reflection taken from Let the Children Come Cycle A.

I have traveled many places in my life, and most of these trips were by airplane. When I have the opportunity to sit by the window, I am in awe of the sight of Earth below me. On one particular trip, I flew at night from Zambia, Africa to London, England. I did not expect to see much since we traveled mostly through darkness. But in mid-flight, the captain instructed passengers to look out the window.

I lifted the small shade and was greeted by the city of Cairo, Egypt. The view of three hundred square kilometers covered in lights was dazzling! I stared in awe at this beautiful sight. I had expected darkness, but was surprised by light.  

People have lived in this city for over 6,000 years. It has played an important role in the history of the world and the history of our religion. This was the place from which Moses led the Israelites out of slavery toward God's promised land.

God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and called the Israelites to decision and responsibility. They would no longer be slaves, but their journey would not be easy. In order to reach their promised land, they needed to get up and move! God required action. He also gave the people help and hope. He guided them through the desert and provided for their needs. It was his Light that brought this wandering nation out of slavery.  

We are not so different from these early Israelites. We are also wandering. We also have been called. Jesus is our Light, too. He calls us out of the slavery of sin and invites us to be part of a community of believers. Sometimes our journey is hard, but he never leaves us alone.

As we come near the end of this Advent season, let us remember the many images of light that have guided us and helped us celebrate Jesus' presence in our lives. We can call on these images when we feel the darkness surround us. Each day we reflect on his words, talk to him in prayer, and follow his example, his Light grows brighter. May we continue to find ways to make it shine for all to see.