December 4, 2015
Friday of the First Week of Advent
By Sr. Pegge Boehm, PBVM
“One thing I ask of the Lord…that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord…in the land of the living.”
Psalm 27
ALL THE LIGHT WE CAN SEE!
I recently finished a book by the author, Anthony Doerr, “All the Light We Cannot See.” It was a beautiful story of goodness and love amidst the horrors of Nazi occupied France. It may be one of the best books I have ever read! One of the main characters, Marie-Laure Le Blanc, a young girl who went blind at an early age, was able to see the goodness in her recluse great uncle, and her light seemed to bring out the light and goodness of him and others.
The readings today, especially Psalm 27, invites the reader to see the light as goodness, as God! “One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek….that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord…in the land of the living.” Do we have to wait until we get to heaven to gaze upon the Lord and see the bounty of the Lord? I think not. I truly believe that we are often blinded to the goodness of the other person. We have pre-judged them. We have been blinded by our own judgments and perceptions. To see as God sees – this is God’s invitation. Am I humble enough to believe that divine light shines through my presence? Am I humble enough to believe that divine light shines through my good works? This light emanates from the divine light which dwells within. As we journey through life on this earth, can we gaze and dwell upon the loveliness of God’s creation rather than find a home in human darkness of anxiety, despair, judgment and preoccupation?
Advent is the time of the Church Year to contemplate the mystery of light. All creation invites us to gaze and delight in the light that we have in a day! Ask yourself today – Where did I experience Christ’s light dispelling fear, anxiety in myself, in others? In what ways were my eyes opened to God’s presence enlightening a situation, enlightening another person?
PRAYER:
Light of Christ,
Shine so brightly,
Through the darkness,
In hearts despairing.
Enlighten our minds,
Share your wisdom,
Light the candle,
Give us hope.
