“The Light and the Dark of Our Lives.” Have you ever heard of the Italian term ‘Chiaroscuro?” Literally it means ‘strong contrast between light and dark.’ Painters contrast the light and darkness to emphasize the drama of the subject, e.g., Tintoretto’s ‘Last Supper.’ As you look upon the light in the Love of Jesus giving Himself to us in bread and wine, it contrasts with the darkness of the tragedy surrounding this holy meal.
I thought of chiaroscuro when I read today’s scriptural painting. ‘I am the Lord, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe.’ Why would an all-good God create woe? We see so much dark and woe in our world today. Covid brings fear, sickness, death, and social separation. Politics paints a fearful canvas. The picture of our personal lives can appear dark with dim light.
In Advent we look and long for light. ‘Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.’ John the Baptist longed for a sign of light. Jesus showed him people walking tall. I think of my physical therapist who assists me, our doctors and nurses who care for us. Our sins are forgiven and light shines in the Sacraments of Healing and Eucharist. Simple meals are prepared daily with love that lightens the burdens of the day. Be Light in our darkness, paint a beautiful canvas with your life in everything you do, say, and think.