The Light to Walk

With the moon coming to fullness and the days getting ever shorter, our appreciation for light heightens. We are reminded that Jesus, the Light of the World, came to dispel the darkness, and John tell us that the darkness could not overcome the Light. (Jn 1:5). ) How blessed are we to be "children of light". Yet the stresses of this season, endless meetings, preparations for Christmas, finals for students, collections for empty pantry shelves to help the poor have a good Christmas dinner, all of these can become a disconcerting darkness that prevents us from seeing the light. A first year college student and graduate of Mount St. Michael, Stanley De La Cruz, writes in Live Marist, about the need to "take a break" to avoid being weighed down totally by stressful burdens, in his case, studying for finals. He uses a story which illustrates how even simple things if carried too long can become impossible to handle: holding a milk bottle for a minute is not problem, but for an hour, it becomes painful, and for a whole day, almost paralyzes the arm, but holding it for a little while, putting it down, picking it up again after that little rest, and continuing this pattern, makes it possible to hold that bottle indefinitely. He puts down his books, has a snack or takes a "power nap" then continues his studying. Not only is he growing in knowledge, but in wisdom as well. May his story shed some light on the darkness we might be experiencing and help us walk with a lighter, enlightened heart.
Bro. Rene