Photo taken 2002, sji

 

Dec 11 2005 Gaudete Sunday

Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “ am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
A voice of one crying out in the wilderness...not a prophet not a savior but one to give witness...to the one who is greater who baptizes with fire the Holy Spirit. John is ready to give witness to the coming of the fulfillment of Elijah's teaching of the coming of the messiah as foretold in Scripture.

It is said that John gave testimony to the light. The light is a message throughout the Gospel of John. For me it means in the darkness of struggle and loss of this earth. In the desert there is a light that shows the path in life. The light is God's love reaching through the darkness in any place and time. It is not simply external but fills the body mind and heart with a light that is entwined with the love of the God. In my understanding especially the flame of the Holy Spirit within is the light. It is the living God within that I can let in and kindle or shut out and deny as a part of my free will to accept gifts and nurture what has been given at birth or to reject it.

I have often heard the saying that is attributed and used by The Christophers: "It is better to light a candle then curse the darkness."
I would add it is better to accept the loving light of God into my heart then to stumble and suffer in darkness. The how to let the light in or follow the light and way of God seems simple but for my journey has been varied. Today, this morning I will simply pray for the light of God to come into my heart and mediate on the presence of Jesus and ask Jesus what is the way, the will of God for me now. If my answer is in silence, I will accept and embrace the silence and just be with God open to what God's will might be.

Gaudete Sunday is traditionally a joyful time. I do not feel especially joyful this morning but I will be open to whatever blessings the day might hold.