Nature’s rhythm has a hold on us. As day light comes in short supply during this time of year, we all look for light despite the darkness.
Many established religions take the opportunity to use this natural phenomenon to reflect on something deeper; the light and darkness of our lives individually and communally. Some have established this as a time of the appearance of their strongest symbols to carry them through the darkness into the light.
Various gods and goddesses of the world’s religious traditions have their birth/celebration dates set around this time to symbolize that light overcomes the darkness. Examples include, Egyptian Sun God Horus, the Persian God Mithras, the Japanese Goddess of the Sun, Amaterasu, and the Indian Queen of Heaven Sarasvati who are all celebrated during these dark days.
Saint Lucy’s Day on December 13 celebrates Saint Lucy of Syracuse who delivered food to the persecuted Christians hiding in the catacombs during the 4th century wearing a wreath of light to light her way. Her feast day at one time coincided with the winter solstice as a reminder of Jesus Christ )whose birthday is celebrated on December 25th) is the light of the world. The Christian tradition has established a four week period of waiting prior to Jesus’ birth to reflect on the Light breaking through the darkness. This season is called Advent and marks the time of waiting in joyful hope for salvation to enter the world as well as our waiting for Jesus to come at the end of time.
No matter your religious affiliation, this time marks an opportunity to reflect on the light that breaks through the darkness. Campus Ministry is offering you an opportunity to SEEK the LIGHT; a simple reflection of keep hope during the dark days by focusing on the light. Each day, from November 28 through December 25, a word will be offered for your reflection. That’s right, a word. If you “like” us on Facebook at Canisius Campus Ministry, “follow” us on Instagram @canisiuscampmin or when you open the myCanisius portal, you will see the word for the day.
It’s simple! Look at the word and allow that word to live inside you that day. You’ll be surprised how often that word will come up for you during the day and draw you closer to light. A bonus, if you’d like, on Instagram and FB you will be able to offer your own reflection for others to see but only if you want.
Our hope and prayer is that this word of the day will draw you closer to the light during these natural days of darkness.
Submitted by: Deacon Greg Feary, campus minister, Campus Ministry