Bearing witness to the Light

Light

No other symbol holds as much significance in religion as light. During the dark time of the Christmas Season, the symbol of light takes on an essential meaning. Jesus is the light in our shadow of darkness. We need symbols. In religion, they are signs that create a deep and lasting bond with God. They help us in expressing our faith. Signs and symbols appeal more to our sense than to our intellect. They arouse emotions through visual and auditory communication. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. At this time, many religious orders renew their vows of commitment to God. They renew their “yes” to a life solely dedicated to God. If you were to examine the life stories of these men and woman, you can feel that they are guided by God. Their lives are meant to be a light in the world for others.

Christ, the Light

One thing, however is clear, on this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Jesus is at the heart of this celebration. He is referred to as the light. Simeon and Anna bear witness to this light. Simeon took the child Jesus into his arms and blessed God, “my eyes have seen your salvation...a light for revelation to the Gentiles”. This light which Jesus brings is intended to illuminate everyone with the invitation for all people to share.

Much has been said and written about Jesus, he is the hope of the world. Jesus is salvation in the midst of the world's turmoil. He is committed to serving and following the divine will of God. Just as his life does not belong to him, our lives do not belong to us.

Sometimes, our life seems fragile and uncertain.

The greatest mystery of God is this – in our life: God is always on our side. He longs for the life of mankind. He shares life’s fragility with us. Sure, there are times when this promise leads us through all kinds of obstacles. Sometimes, there might be times when we don’t feel the impact of his promise. But Jesus comes into the darkness of our lives.

Jesus, who is pure light, wants to illuminate our darkness.

We Are Not Alone

In everything we go through we are never alone. It is a belief that I hope you can share with me. The perseverance, patience and faith of Simeon and Anna give me courage. They show me the importance of insights, and the encounters that are gifted to me. Those who live in communion with God do not overlook life’s darkest points, nor do they look past difficulties and suffering. In the light of faith, they interpret everything as a journey toward maturity, as growing in faith and growing as a human being. To believe, to hope, and to love as a human being is a lifelong process.

Something New Begins

In our Gospel text this evening - we encounter two other people who still have a significant portion of their faith journey ahead of them: Mary and Joseph. They are just beginning to understand what is being prophesied about Jesus.

Aren’t there times when we do not understand something in regards to our faith? There are times when we ask questions. But no matter what or where our faith is - we are invited to walk with Jesus. In baptism, our parents entrusted us to God, knowing that He protects and sustains our paths and our lives. For me, this is one of the most beautiful and profound insights of today's celebration.

I, we, belong to God – we do not need to fear the darkness of the night. He is our life - He is our light.