There are certain truths we know instinctively because they are written on our hearts. These are transcendent truths that appear again and again in our art and literature.
We are all on a journey. We tell stories as metaphors for that journey. Even the ancients, who lived before the time of Christ, had a sense of this transcendent truth and expressed it in their art.
Almost three thousand years ago, the Greek poet Homer composed the Odyssey.
The Odyssey tells of the 20-year journey of Odysseus back to his kingdom of Ithaca. Along the way he meets incredible dangers and is tempted at every turn to give up and settle down. But he knows that Ithaca is his one true home and it is only there that he can find lasting happiness.
Like Odysseus each of us is on a journey back to our Father’s house and it is only there that we will know true, lasting, authentic happiness.
Jesus constantly reminds us that our life here is only the path, not the destination. And that path offers many dangers and distractions to divert us from reaching our destination. Saint Paul advises us then to “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” We are called to shine with love for God and for each other.
The Advent candle symbolizes this. It is a light that drives back the darkness. This is what each of us is called to be.
Pax Vobiscum
1st Sunday in Advent