Can you imagine falling in the darkness of night?

We can fall asleep in a tiring aroma of guilt and suddenly without warning there we are; nothing but darkness all around and no way to clear the frightening condition of where we are. That is exactly what the feeling of sin will create as long as the attraction of what the world presents to us has taken over our consciousness of right and wrong.

Sins can be distinguished according to their objects, as can every human act; or according to the virtues they oppose, by excess or defect; or according to the commandments they violate. They can also be classed according to whether they concern God, neighbor, or oneself; they can be divided into spiritual and carnal sins, or again as sins in thought, word, deed, or omission. The root of sin is in the heart of man, in his free will, according to the teaching of the Lord: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man.” But in the heart also resides charity, the source of the good and pure works, which sin wounds. (CCC 1853).

Jesus often told his disciples about darkness; “but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” (Mt 8: 12). He said to him, “My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment? But he was reduced to silence. Then he said to his attendants, “Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there shall be wailing and grinding of teeth.” Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Mt 22: 12 - 14).

Have any of you experienced the cries that come from this darkness? My one night as a Sacred Heart adorer went this way; At 3 AM I heard a scream so intense that I thought a woman was being molested in a critical manner. Upon looking outside everything was quiet and very serene. Coming back into the house I heard; “3 AM is when evil is at its greatest, and the scream came from the depths of hell.” I have never forgotten that instance.

In the Solemn procession of the Easter Vigil, only the Paschal candle is the light carried by the deacon as he sings, “Christ our Light” and we all respond with, “Thanks be to God.” The Church begins to light their candles as the Candle arrives into the sanctuary and the darkness is gone. The Paschal candle is the symbol of the risen Christ who with his Resurrection has brought Light into the world. There now is no reason to hide because of darkness; He is the Light forever.

Turn away from sin and become another light of Christ to reach sinners as well as ourselves as we become a candle of hope and faith in the world now saved from the evil of sin.

Ralph B. Hathaway