The humble light

The light shines in the darkness

The Christmas card above was done by Allan Rohan Crite. I received it in 1963 from the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia. It had been an eventful year. A graceful year. Leaving the Marine Corps that summer I was looking for something to do. My parish priest said, “Why don’t you join the summer staff at the Advocate.” Days later my world had shifted from a sergeant, a good man, preparing me for a war unfolding in Vietnam to Father Paul Washington, a saint, reminding me that the children in our care take in all our words, gestures and looks. By the fall I was with other members of CORE demonstrating for better schools in the city of Chester.

You’ve had your own story. Going from one world to another. From one set of loves and sacrifices to another. For me there was always the humble light.

John wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” A humble light. A bit of truth. No immediate vanquishing of the darkness. But a holy, enduring light.

And there was that Christmas card of the city’s streets with the Blessed Virgin holding the child. An eternal, divine presence – the Light. At least that’s what I saw, and still see.

I wish you a blessed and merry Christmas.

Brother Robert, OA