IN THE DARKNESS, BE THE LIGHT!
The cycle of the seasons includes times of darkness and times of light. Winter Solstice is associated with renewal, a time of rebirth of the Sun and Light. The first day of winter, December 21st marks the time of the year when the darkness will give way to the light. Together with all creation in our Northern Hemisphere, we remember that the longest night of the year is a sign and a promise that the sun will lengthen our days once more. In this Advent season, we anticipate the celebration of the birth of Christ who is “the true Light, the Light of the World.”
In the beautiful prologue to John’s Gospel we read: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” The theme of darkness is a common thread running throughout the course of our lives. Even our body was formed in the darkness of our mother’s womb. When we were born, we passed from darkness into light. In fact, I was born on the Winter Solstice and light and darkness are part of who I am. Since birth, I have had an inoperable cataract on my right eye. While I have vision in my left eye, I do not have sight in my right eye. I was given the precious gifts of sight and light and not total blindness and darkness.
Some of my most treasured memories of growing up near Lake Huron include the awesome sunrises and sunsets which continue to speak to me of God’s faithfulness. When a thunderstorm was brewing, my Dad, siblings and I gathered the animals into the barn. In the safety of our cozy farmhouse, we watched fascinating lightning streak across the tumultuous sky. Even today I feel deeply safe and secure amidst the storms of life. God’s embrace shelters me in the depths of my being. When I witness a rainbow arc across the dark sky, I am filled with delight remembering God’s covenant with us.
In the cool of the evening, after the work was done, my family would often relax in the backyard gazing at diamond-like stars in the summer night sky. Sometimes we would catch a glimpse of fireflies flitting around us. During an annual retreat, fireflies became symbols of faith and hope flickering in the darkness.
People too can be tiny sparks of light bringing hope to others in their stormy night skies. I remember light-filled people who have made a difference in my times of darkness. We carry our greatest treasure within us. It is the Christ-light which will forever shine. It is an inner radiance which lights our way home to God. Let us trust the Christ-light; it will never fade. This 2021 let us be light in the darkness!
-Sister Kathy O’Keefe, csj