Inner Light

In her book, Real Taste of Life, Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross wrote: “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

Her words are compelling...especially for us at Christ the Redeemer as we experience the recently installed stained glass windows in our narthex. The windows delight the senses as we walk inside the space and the sun's rays illuminate the vivid colors. I have the privilege of being in the building throughout the day, and I can appreciate the way the windows change with time. At night the windows lose much of their splendor...unless I move outside the building to see how the interior light reveals the windows' beauty to those passing by.

Dr. Ross' words remind me of the privilege and responsiblity we have as the people of God to attend to the inner light that illuminates our lives and actions. On our good days when we are at the top of our game people may be attracted by our gentleness, our joy...our willingess to reach out, welcome and serve others. But what about those darker days, when we ourselves are threatened by life's challenges?

It is only by leaning into the abiding promises of hope and wholeness that we can move through unfavorable circumstances with beauty. That internal certainty of unconditional love shines through suffering and attracts others. Think about some of the stories you have heard about the "beautiful moments" experienced by people in the throes of September 11, (read David Miller's Sept. 13 entry on Praying the Mystery ) I think of people I have visited who are facing extreme physical illness...whose bodies are ravaged by cancer...yet there is a beautiful light that shines in their eyes and gives evidence to increasing inner wholeness in the presence of physical darkness.

St. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5: 18-19 "Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” Give thanks IN all circumstances...even when you aren't thankful FOR a situation. The attitude of gratitude for Christ's promises and ultimate power over darkness and death is what stokes the flame of hope and love. Even in the darkness of the world, people passing by will see your beauty...and it will bless them!