Human existence is a journey of faith and is lived more in darkness than in the fullness of light. Some experience moments of obscurity, whereas others experience profound darkness, such as Mother Teresa. While we’re on earth our relationship with God develops more with listening than with seeing, and contemplation even takes place, thanks to the interior inner light within God’s Word illuminates.
Although she was the human creature closest to God, the Virgin Mary herself walked day after day as though she was on a pilgrimage of faith (Lumen gentium 58), keeping God’s Word in her heart, whether through Scripture or through the events of Jesus’ life, in which she recognised and accepted God’s mysterious voice.
On this topic, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI declared, ‘To listen to him in the word, preserved in the Sacred Scripture. To listen to him in the very events of our lives; trying to read in them the message of providence. To listen to him… in our brothers, especially in the little ones and the poor, for whom Jesus himself asked for our concrete love. To listen to Christ and to obey his voice. This is the only way that leads to joy and love.
To be a disciple is to be transformed, transfigured even, by the light of God’s wisdom which we touch when we pray, read sacred Scriptures, receive the gift of the Eucharist and serve our neighbour, especially the poor and marginalised.
