Giving off Light

 Light. That's what resonated with me after Mass last week on the feast  of the Presentation (and receiving a blessed candle) and the St. Blaise. The priest saying a prayer with 2 candles crossed over each person's throat in tradition of the saint who is the patron against illnesses of the throat. 

Later that day, the teacher who was filling in for the last class put on a Harry Potter movie. I haven't watched those movies in a long time, so it brought back memories of my childhood. And I noticed the theme in that particular movie- light versus darkness, good versus evil. 

Those books/movies all deal with this strong focus in some way, but clearly when Harry is trying to ward off those dementors and how they suck out the happiness and joy in your life. The spell that he is taught and practices with his professor helps him muster up the courage and conviction to face this fear. Light from his wand is shutting out and blinding the darkness of these 'creatures'. 

How much more so in the spiritual life. What great reminders to keep aspiring and living up to- as the Gospel stated on Sunday, we are the salt and light for the world, administered and given to us by Jesus to bring this light, this salt to a world desperate in need of healing, spiritual healing and hope. Little by little, with awareness and practice like Harry did- to become stronger and more cognizant of the power within us, given to us by God.