The reader at the lectern read: “A dimly burning wick he will not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). The juxtaposition of the altar candle’s dimly burning wick that day with our baptismal call to “let our lights shine” offered an apt metaphor for the realities and complexities of following our vocations over time. Lights that once shone brightly can flicker and burn out. That dimly burning wick was a living metaphor for many people’s daily experience of life.
Yet we are not alone. God gives us communities of support where we can shine together, drawing strength from one another. As the church, we are called to pray for one another. In the meal of Holy Communion we are fed and nourished. We are recharged and renewed for our callings.
Sometimes we are called upon to share our lights so that other can shine brightly. Sometimes we need courage to admit when we need others to tend our dimly burning wicks.
This message is excerpted from “The Light Bearers” by Julie A. Kanarr in the January/February 2020 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate John of the Cross, renewer of the church, 1591. All are welcome to attend a Blue Christmas service via Zoom, December 21 at 7 p.m. (CST).
If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.
reply
retweet
favorite