Strength

Often we see trials, temptations, etc as "setbacks" along our journey, whether it be the spiritual life, our career, or any goal. But I pose a new thought for you: Maybe those who rise without any pitfalls are weak and those who spiral up and down and up again are able to spring up because of the strength of their latest trial.

Beauty

Behold, the splendor of His Presence

felt in everything beautiful

For He is Beauty itself.

Maybe that is why man

cannot live without beauty.

O wonderful earthly beauty

Yet it is a cheap substitution

for reality.

O Holy Triity, give us

beauty that we may

wonder at You.

O Holy Trinity...give us Yourself.

Candlemass

Reflection from St. Sophronuis for today's feast, 

the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple:

In honor of the divine mystery that we celebrate today, let us hasten to meet Christ. Everyone should be eager to join the procession and to carry a light.

Our lighted candles are a sign of the divine splendor of the one who comes to expel the dark shadows of evil and to make the whole universe radiant with the brilliance of his eternal light. 

Our candles also show how bright our souls should be when we go to meet Christ.

The Mother of God, the most pure Virgin, carried the true light in her arms and brought him to those who lay in darkness. We too should carry a light for all to see and reflect the radiance of the true light as we hasten to meet him.