Light in the Darkness

Advent has begun.

Advent is a time for preparing and waiting for the Light.

This time of year can be dark.

Shorter days and fragile hearts.

We are all searching for something.

Searching for light in the darkness.

Everyone experiences darkness at some point in their life; whether it be physical, mental or spiritual darkness.

Maybe the holidays are hard because you lost someone you love.

Maybe you're battling addictions.

Maybe you don't know where the next paycheck is coming from.

Maybe you're fighting depression. Maybe it's illness.

Maybe the darkness is hidden from others.

Whatever burden you carry or hide, I pray for you.

"During the years of Jesus' hidden life in the house of Nazareth, Mary's life too is "hid with Christ in God" (cf. Col 3:3) through faith... [She] is in contact with the truth about her Son only in faith and through faith! She is therefore blessed, because "she believed", and continues to believe day after day... during the years of the hidden life at Nazareth." St. Pope John Paul II 

"She, too, had a heart that was bleeding and broken." Fr. Michael E. Gaitley 

"How completely she 'abandons herself to God' without reserve." PJPII

Blessed is she who believed! 

In the darkest moments, believe and trust. 

You can't have light without darkness.

Some of the great saints, including St. Therese the Little Flower, experienced darkness.
The Little Flower, however used her darkness to love Him in little ways.

Fr. Michael E. Gaily shares in his book, "33 Days to Merciful Love",
an image of St. Therese on her deathbed where she lay looking at the crucifix just before she died and told God how much she loved Him.  She died and her face was transformed by a beautiful smile.

"So in times of darkness, when you're tempted to discouragement because of your own weakness, brokenness, and sin-- remember that smile. In times of darkness, when you're tempted to think that God and heaven do not exist- remember that smile. In times of darkness, when you're tempted to think there's no way you can become a saint- remember that smile." Fr. Michael E. Gaitley  

You do not have to walk in the dark alone. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light.

The answer to our darkness.

"The people who walked in darkness/ have seen a great light;/ Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom/ a light has shone./ You have brought them abundant joy/ and great rejoicing." 

Isaiah 9:1-2