Two weeks ago, I wrote about light in the darkness. Since that time, I found myself in St. Paul’s Chapel down at Trinity Church. Inside St. Paul’s are four prayer stations, one of which is centered on the theme of light. I took a prayer card from this station, which included the following:
Scripture
…in your light we see light (Psalm 36:9)
Reflection
Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.” I like even more what Jesus doesn’t say. He does not say, “One day, if you are more perfect and try really hard, you’ll be light.” He doesn’t say, “If you play by the rules and cross your Ts and dot your Is, then maybe you’ll become light.” No. He says, straight out, “you are light.” It is the truth of who you are, waiting only for you to discover it. (Gregory Boyle, Tattoos on the Heart)
Prayer
I watch this day
for the light that the darkness has not overcome.
I watch for the fire that was in the beginning
and that burns still in the brilliance of the rising sun.
I watch for the glow of life that gleams in the growing earth
and glistens in the sea and sky.
I watch for your light, O God,
in the eyes of every living creature
and in the ever-living flame of my own soul.
If the grace of seeing were mine this day
I would glimpse you in all that lives.
Grant me the grace of seeing this day.
Grant me the grace of seeing.
(J. Philip Newell, Celtic Benediction)
Peace,
Title: Interior of the Church of the Light; Artist: Tadao Andō (b. 1941); Date: 1999; Building: Church of the Light; Object/Function: Architecture; City/Town: Ibaraki; Country: Japan; Scripture: John 9:1-41, John 3:14-21, John 12:20-36, Matthew 4:12-23
