February 10, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Genesis 1:1-19
Reflect on the Word //
As I stepped out of the cabin into the cold night air, my heart skipped a beat. It was so dark I could not see my young children, whom I knew had come outside ahead of me. I followed the sound of their voices, still unable to see anyone. We were spending the weekend in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, far removed from any sizable civilization.
“Mommy! Mommy!” my daughter shouted as I caught up to her. “Look at all the stars!” To my amazement, I looked up to see what must have been hundreds, if not thousands, of stars sparkling in the clear night sky. I stood in awe. I could hardly take my eyes off of them, repeatedly craning my neck to take in their astonishing beauty.
“Let there be light,” are the first words the Creator speaks in today’s First Reading from Genesis (1:3). Verses later, we read how He created “the two great lights [. . .] and he made the stars” (Genesis 1:16). Here, at the very beginning of the Bible, God reveals a truth: He will not leave us in darkness.
As I ponder the stars, my heart fills with wonder, and the Spirit illuminates for me the depth of this beauty. The Lord reminds me that the stars I gaze upon could very well be the same ones Abraham saw when He made His promise, the ones the Wise Men looked to in search of the newborn king. The stars always hang in the sky, yet we can only see them in darkness. The number of stars we are able to see greatly decreases when we are too near the things of this world. Man-made lights from cities wash out the night sky, and mask our ability to witness the fullness of His glory. How true is this also in our spiritual lives?
When we pray with the story of Creation and then lift our gaze towards Heaven where the Creator resides, we glimpse true Beauty; we learn His character. He reveals His generosity, kindness, and incredible thoughtfulness. What a gift to receive His marvelous Light, the source of the Christ-light shining within our hearts.
Relate to the Lord // What stars is the Lord illuminating in your own personal darkness? Ask Him to shine His light in your circumstances.
Elise Howe is a wife, mother, vocal artist, and teacher. She is most joyful when creating with the inspiration of the Divine Artist. Elise hopes to live a life full of authentic beauty—especially through her song, her cut-flower garden, great books, delicious ice cream, and her yes to the Father. A born-and-raised Midwestern gal, she happily resides in Michigan with her husband, son, and three daughters. She was a contributing author to Set a Fire and Blessed Conversations: Misericordia.
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