When you enter a Catholic church or chapel and look around you will find a sanctuary lamp. This is usually red glass with a candle lit. This can be an oil, wax, or electric candle. The sanctuary lamp is a sign that the Body and Blood of Christ is present in the consecrated hosts reserved in the tabernacle.

The Sign of the Cross, as I discussed yesterday, prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary, all help to bring us into the presence of God as the sanctuary lamp directs our eyes to the tabernacle and the real presence of Jesus. They are ways of answering the call within coming from our loving God and Father inviting us to spend intimate time with him.

The word of God can be similar if we have ears to hear. The words of the Bible can be a dead letter if they just sit on the page, with the binder closed. But when we read or listen to them proclaimed at Mass, God speaks to us personally.

When we open our minds and hearts to hear those words, sometimes a spark of flame can fly off the page and ignite in our soul. As we ponder them, the flame grows. The word of God is alive and transformative just like fire. This happened to me about three or four weeks ago when I read:

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

That spark ignited and as I continued to repeat these words to myself a flame of joy rose and expanded in my heart. I carried those words and returned to them throughout the day, and as I was falling asleep. I continued to do this all week and each time felt Jesus close. I felt his peace, consolation, and joy.

Like a sanctuary lamp, these words were reminding me that I was a living tabernacle or monstrance, reminding me that I was carrying Jesus as did Mary, the Christ bearer, who we are all called to be.

I pass these words onto you today, that you may also pray and meditate with them. May a spark touch the kindling in your soul and catch flame that you too may radiate the love of Christ and experience his joy.

Anchor yourself in these words of God and know that Jesus is present and you are free to experience the love of the Holy Spirit that can bring you healing, courage, clarity, strength, peace, and/or whatever you are in need of to be free. For where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Photo: Sanctuary lamp in the chapel of St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.