While there is still time, while we are in this body and have time to accomplish all
these things by the light of life – we must run and do now what will profit us
forever. (RB Prol. 43-44)
Lighthouses are powerful symbols of hope for us in the midst of the dark and stormy times of our lives. They remind us that even though we are groping along, trying to find our way, the Spirit of God is always present to us and ready to guide us like a beacon guides a ship home.
Those beacons come into our lives in many forms and ways. Sometimes it is a warm sunbeam on a cloudy, cold day or a gentle breeze on a still, hot afternoon. The silent, reassuring presence of someone at our side when we are sad, afraid, alone, or ill is a powerful symbol of light and caring. An inward knowing that, even as we surrender a part of ourselves and enter into a time of loss, we are where we are supposed to be – this, too, is grace, light, and hope.
Every human being has the calling to be a beacon of light in this world. Light imparts warmth to one who feels the chill of isolation. Light provides uplifting joy to one who is weighed down with many concerns. Light shines on the uncertain path before one who is hesitant to move forward.
How can we fulfill our calling to be a beacon of hope, a lighthouse, to others? By letting those close to you know you care, you believe in them, you rejoice in their lives, and you affirm their humanity and struggle. We can do this because Christ, who is light to each one of us, shines before us, in us and through us.
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Sister Ann Marie WainrightSister Ann Marie Wainright is a Benedictine Sister of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, she worked as a CPA for many years before earning dual masters degrees in counseling and pastoral studies. Sister Ann Marie is interested how people encounter God in their daily lives and how they use their faith and spirituality in meeting difficult challenges. See all of Sister Ann Marie’s blogs. |