The Light of One Candle(February 1 2022) The Light of One Candle
Jesus, the light of the world, came to the temple. The Church celebrates this day as the Feast of the Candles. It is called “Candlemas”. As this name suggests, it has something to do with candles. This is because during the Mass, the blessing of candles takes place. In his teachings, Jesus said , ‘I am the light of the world.’ Saint Teresa of Calcutta said, “It is better to burn out than to rust out.” Only then can we vividly reflect the light of Christ in this world, driving away the darkness of selfishness and sin, and becoming bright beacons of salvation for all people.” St Paul VI said that “We are the light, we ourselves, if we receive it from him…. But how do we receive it, how do we make it shine? The candle tells us: by burning and being consumed in the burning. A spark of fire, a ray of love, an inevitable immolation are celebrated over that pure, straight candle, as, pouring forth its gift of light, it exhausts itself in silent sacrifice.” There is immense darkness in our world today. First physically, in winter the days are short and the nights are long. Anxiety and depression this year has been intensified by the problems of the pandemic. To overcome this darkness, our candle must ignite by the spark of the love of God. Then our light must shine forth. We carry our candle with us wherever we go. Then, when we can, we share the light and chase away darkness and maybe even we can light another person’s candle. Maybe it just went out or maybe it was never lit. Is your candle still burning bright? If it has gone out, have you invited God to relight your candle? Then go and share the light of Christ, the spirit of hope to a world in need. It just takes one candle to make a difference. Deacon John Girolami |
