For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night or of darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6
In a day, how often do you speak or act in a way that can honour or help another person? Often times, the harm projected, will be the darkness that befalls back. In stress, a misunderstanding or a trial and all that can transpire in a day, one needs to ask, how often do I pause and see the joy in my day. It might reveal where the heart truly is. Our mind may say one thing, but words or actions may reveal another. The sad reality is, darkness often wins the most favours among people. It seems easier for people to grumble than share joy. The even sadder reality is darkness is always waiting in the wings to prey on a weakness. Greater still is the darkness that preys on the one who has depended on their on worldly or self defense, as opposed to leaning on faith. It is what attracts us, that we can either choose the darkness or the light. Faith can pull you away from choosing the one that harms you.
When I was a child, my cousins and I used to play this game, where one person would go in the closet and another would shut off the light. Then we would wait and see how long we could remain in dark closet. When the person in the closet wanted to come out, he would knock. I knocked very quickly and always stayed the least amount of time. It frightened me to be in the darkness, without the light. As children we may go along with things that may not be good for us. Sadly, the longer a person chooses or remains in the darkness, it begins to define them. It begins to form the soul of our being. From which it may be difficult to escape. You may not even realize that the words or actions you project, have just pierced your soul. The teaching of today’s world that tells a person to vent, speak your mind and do what makes you happy, has taken a turn on the dark path. Those qualities may bring light if they are of the purest and honorable intent. We have free will to live in the light. It is not an easy endeavor at times with all that is happening in the heart or surroundings. With God all things are possible. Matthew 19. Without faith, the heart will remain in darkness. When a shadow is cast over our heart, faith can pull it out and bring it into the light. Its glow can be like moon beams that shine through our fingertips.
How do we start. Pray. Attend mass. Open a bible and read. Pause and look within. Darkness will try and convince you that all the answers are elsewhere. You have the strength in you, given by God. Be steadfast in your endeavour. If you stumble, as all do, stand and try again. When I was growing up, I watched as Nonna move the beads of the rosary between her fingers and wondered what it all meant. My curious nature, given by God, has steered me in His direction. Let God guide your life. Where there’s a will there’s a way, my father used to say. Have a strong will. Be humble. Be brave.
The next time, something surfaces in your thoughts that want to pull you into the darkness, try instead replacing it with a thought of goodness or joy. It can be in the form of a prayer, or kind gesture or thankful thought either for that person or for the gifts you are given. Allow the moment to be filled with grace. Be vigilant like Joan of Arc and gentle like Saint Mother Theresa. You are so worth it. The harshest reality can hit you as it did me when I heard a story of a good Christian family who wanted to attend mass after a long period of unattendance. The father said to the son, it is time for church and the son said, I don’t want to go, I don’t know what I am, I am an atheist. Heartbreaking and shocking, but darkness preys on our beautiful children. Be a light in your family, among relatives and friends. It’s a gift that will reap amazing beauty. Judge not, for we have all sinned. Even if you falter, it’s essential, to keep on. You’ll be amazed at the peace and joy that awaits you. God gave us free will, so you have to open your heart and let him know you’re ready. Be a light in the darkness. But if we walk in the Light, as He Himself is in the Light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all our sin. 1 John 1:7
Let us pray. Lord of all, giver of life. Mother Mary full of grace. Shed enlightenment into our hearts. Show us how to humble ourselves and better serve our hearts and the hearts of others. Forgive us for all our sins, sometimes they are so many. Keep us close and pull our hearts out of the darkness and into the light, so that we may have peace and serenity. Let us be a light for others. Amen.
Peace,
Claudia
Our Nourished Soul