What is God's Name: Reflections on the 'Faces' of God

The word "radiant" is used in early hymns of the Church. Light radiates. When Jesus says "I am the light of the world" and "You are the light of the world" it means we are to be radiant Christians. My friend Patrick from Cape Cod received a Christmas gift from his very young granddaughter, a candle in the form of a lighthouse. That little girl had the right idea! Lighthouses radiate light for ships in the dark!

There are many references to light in the psalms including this one: Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path (Psalm 115:109) The Haitians have turned this into a lively pre-Gospel verse: “God's word, like a candle, shows me where to place my feet; God's word is a beautiful light that can always make clear the road of my life.” Living in Haiti where blackouts are so frequent, I, who love the evenings, have come to appreciate even candle-light.

One of my favourite names of Jesus is "the bright Morning Star." (Rev.22: 16). When I lived in Cap Haitian, my windows faced east. I would rise, open my curtain, and greet the Bright Morning Star to begin my day with Christ before me, then dress and proceed to the chapel to chant the morning office with the community, carrying joy in my soul.

We are called Children of the Light (John I 2:36). Isaiah prophecies: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in deep darkness – on them light has shone (9:2-4). The term ‘Orient’ is used in the Advent liturgy, since the One who is born is the Sun that rises in the East to light the world. When Jesus returns, there will lightening East to West. We are to walk in the light. We need to radiate life, energy, warmth. May the Lord let his face shine on us and give us peace. Amen.

By Mary Alban Bouchard CSJ