Throngs of people were lining up on Michigan Ave to see the lights of Christmas coming to life, piercing the darkness overhead and within. Children strained like Zacchaeus to see the lights come to life. Wise moms and dads lifted them high up or placed them securely on sturdy shoulders so the children could see. It's easy to get lost in the crowd...
We are all searching for the Light that already exists within our hearts but is dimmed but preoccupation or fear. Sometimes we even put a "bushel basket" over the Light when we just don't want to face and expose its brightness. Doing so might demand a change in how we are loving and living. Sometimes it's just " safer" to hide the Light.
Zacchaeus let the Light in his heart and in his home and around his own dinner table. He was able to feast on the Lord's presence and words. He removed the bushel basket and the Light was revealed. And he changed his life and its direction. There is always a price...
We are searching and straining to see the " light" like the young man in Starbucks this morning who shared his hope for a job interview tomorrow. By the sound of his voice, he certainly wants his life to change and seems poised to allow the Light to show him a new path. I left with coffee in hand, smiling at the optimism and care with which this young man shared his hope.
We are all straining and searching for the Light within. But if allowed to shine, we are confronted with change: to let go of the familiar patterns and allow new patterns that better reflect the Light to move us in new directions along new paths. And remember, we are never too old for this to happen: Abraham was 75 years old when that same Light thrust him and Sarah down a completely new path.
Buen camino. Padre.
thank you Fr Frank. I have just retuned to Australia after my Camino to Santiago, and I find your thoughts a great help.
ReplyDeletePaul the Australian