Allegory of the Sun and Moon- The relationship between God, the Church/Saints, and Ourselves
"And God made the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. " Genesis 1:16-18
When discussing the
relationship between the Catholic and the Church or the Christian to Mary and
the Saints, the Church often uses an allegory. This allegory is always triangular; it always incorporates God. This idea comes from the
Gospel when Jesus says He is present in even the least (Matthew 25:40). “The
Church depends entirely on the articles concerning Christ Jesus. the Church has
no other light than Christ's; according to a favorite image of the Church
Fathers, the Church is like the moon, all its light reflected from the sun.”.[1]
First, the human journey to God through time is blinded by sin and its effects. On this journey, our experiences both physical and spiritual are plagued by concupiscence, temptation, and ignorance. On this pilgrimage, these envelope men. God is the desire of every human heart. He is light our "ecosystem" needs to live. He is the only consolation to man and man’s only help. The ailments of as previously mentioned are absences of Him but can involve a perverse inkling of our desire for Him. These fascinations with lesser things that reflect poorly of God’s goodness, truth, and beauty are used to lead man away from God. Therese of Lisieux has been quoted as saying, “the world is thy ship and not thy home.” We were not created for this life but the next.
Second, it is not only through Himself that we can encounter Him(not the only light in the sky), and indeed He calls us to others also. In the night sky what reflects the light we need to see, and nourish our bodies on this journey is the moon, the Church. The Church only shines in the measure it reflects Christ, and also therefore only provides for the need of God people in the measure He is present. The Church offers God’s true presence in the Eucharist and act in His accord. These are the lights in earthly darkness that has ensnared man. However, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not us”(2 Corinthians 4:7) The Church derives its sacramental ability not from its self but from the God whose Body it is. It is through God’s transcendent grace the He who became man may continue to encounter His faithful in Body and Spirit. He encounters His loved ones in the way they need. Thereby, His light shines forth from human vessels as Paul had written. A reflection of the true light which brings light to the night that is earthly and temporal life.
Third, The Church calls us to take advantage of such lights as much as possible, as in the Old Testament. We encounter heightened nourishment, clarity, and life by merely speaking through Christ. Of course, especially when close to His sacramental presence (presence transmitted by the Holy Spirit, the Person of the Trinity formed of the Love of the Father and the Son). The sun’s energy is radiated, it is not only reflected by the creation. Likewise, we experience this light more clearly through prayer and frequent reception of sacraments. Like the sun’s light, the more consistently and frequently we accept God’s love in these ways the more we not only reflect Him Who we are called to become, but also, we radiate His presence just as the sacraments themselves.[2] God dwells in those who love Him but especially those who love Him with their whole life’s actions, words, and thoughts. Just as the Earth is the ideal distance from the sun to support life so also God gives us to use as we need but not more than we can handle. Whether it is physical blessings, spiritual gifts, consolations, or talents; there is always the danger of too much or too little. However, God is the true vine and provides for His Body in perfect time, quality, and quantity.
Fourthly, what is it that shines forth from where God is locally present? It is actually a Who. The Holy Spirit is the infinite excess of love from the relationship of the Father and the Son. Indeed, their relationship so intensely strong in love that love forms an entirely other person. However, not just a person to be with them, but one that goes out to share the divine life of God. As a beam of light, it makes God present in the sacraments as well as others and allows us to experience that divine life in the sacraments, others, and prayer.
Lastly, God can be known through creation, but especially in man. Man is made in the image and likeness of God. Just as the sunflower follows the sun so also should we keep our gaze on Christ. As we go about our lives we find places we Christ can be found especially in the least of man (Matthew 25:40). God is present amongst man.
Concluding, why should we hide in the darkness of sin and ignorance. Let us seek life and to the full, I.e. a life lived in with and for Christ. Let us seek the liberation for attachment to worldly things that distract, weigh us down, and weaken us. Let our life for the source of our life just as the sunflower. Let us reflect and radiate God who we are called to be. We seek this through the sacrament in which Christ is made present. Let us live as if it is just God and ourselves in the world, and thereby give every object, desire, action, persons, circumstances, etc. their proper context.
“Father, we are filled with the new light by the coming of your Word among us. May the light of faith shine in our words and actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.” Concluding Prayer for Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours) on Christmas Day.FN:
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 748.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 460.
