God In the Shadows

This morning’s prayer included the litany called the “O Antiphons”. This litany of seven short prayers (each beginning with the word “O”) is prayed from December 17th to December 23rd, and one prayer is said each day. This was this morning’s O Antiphon:

O Radiant Dawn, 

splendor of eternal light,

Sun of justice:

Come, shine on those who live 

darkness and in the shadow of death.

There are many living in darkness and in the shadow of death. Glenn’s death four weeks ago cast a pallor over my family and friends and I do often feel as though I live in its shadow. But this afternoon I read something on Facebook (of all places!) that has helped me to begin to find my way out from under that shadow.

Fr. James Martin is a Jesuit priest, author, and served as a chaplain for Steven Colbert, the staff and production crew of the “Colbert Report”. He recently had this to say:

“Frequently I meet with people struggling with devastating news. In those times even the most devout can begin to doubt God’s presence. But often what helps them to regain trust is a simple question: "Has God been with you in difficult times in the past?" 

His simple question has the effect of causing us to stop and wonder. The truth of the matter is that  for me this question is answered with a resounding, “Yes!” God always has been, always is, and always will be with us in times of difficulty. As Fr. Jim puts it, “Memories of God’s activity in the past enable us to embrace the future.”

Just as each twenty-four hour period turns from day to night to day, our lives turn from light to dark to light. Whether we are in the shadow of death or simply enduring a difficult time in our lives, we can trust that God is with us because we remember the Divine presence from our experiences past. 

This is how we move out from being in the shadow of death. This is how we move through a difficult circumstance. This is how we begin to trust, live and love again. 

Thank you to all who continue to pray and care for me. I am so grateful. Let remember to pray for others who are also struggling.

…grace and peace…c.