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So what is the Nature of Light?

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The spring equinox is upon us in North America this week. It is the day when we experience a balance of natural light hours and darkness. A welcome occasion for sure, one we have been anticipating as the hours of daylight have gradually lengthened.

So what is the nature of light? A Google search leads to 488 million choices to answer a question that has been pondered by scientists for centuries. Their discoveries have led to some very revealing facts. Light can’t be easily defined or studied but scientific advances lead us to a greater understanding of this mystery. We know for instance that light is not an either/or it’s a both/and - wave and particle.

Light provides us with the ability to see clearly, to find our way, to make discoveries. We know that most living things gravitate toward light for its warmth, clarity and transformative powers. Without light, for example, the power of photosynthesis would not be possible. How different would our world be without light?

In many spiritual texts light is used as a metaphor for goodness, even for the Divine. We read, in reference to Jesus, in the prologue of the Gospel of John: The lights shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.

These thoughts of the mystery of light were with me recently as I sat near a window. The sun came out just then. I felt the warmth on my back and I felt reassured and joyful. Winter is finally lessening its cold hard grasp. I felt energized and moved to get active. A few days later I realized I had exactly the same response to seeing a good friend’s face coming towards me. I felt warmed, reassured and joyful. A smile broke out across my face as we shared an enthusiastic hug.

Transforming energies are available to us in the ordinariness of life. We can be light for one another. Awareness of the gift of the mystery of light in my life and openness to being moved to action are essential elements in being transformed. What or who brings light into my life?

In this time of the spring equinox reflect and consider . . .  What could I do or be so that there would be more light in our world.

Ann Baker, CSJ Associate
Jean Bowden, CSJ Associate