He Likes to Share

After attending the Liturgy of the Light, Celia went home and said to her Mum, "You know, Mum, Jesus is the Light and he likes to share his Light with us, to you and me, because he loves us so much."

Frighteningly Beautiful

On Saturday during our Celebration of the Liturgy of the Light, we read the gospel story of the Women at the Tomb. I asked the children how the women had reacted (afraid but also full of joy) and asked them if this reminded them of other stories from the Bible. Niamh, in second grade, suggested the Parable of the Pearl, because the merchant felt happy about finding the pearl, but perhaps was frightened by how beautiful and precious it was.

God can speak our language

Bethany, age 8: "When we get baptized, we start learning about God. And we're just babies! Our parents take us to church and we CAN UNDERSTAND THINGS!! We can understand things without anybody telling us because GOD is telling us. God can speak our language. And when we sleep, God sends angels into our dreams."

Liturgy of the Light

At our Montessori school which includes the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, I was preparing a 3-6-year-old classroom for our Liturgy of the Light. I explained, "The whole school will gather together in a room that will be a little dark. The Baptismal candle will be there, and one-by-one, each child's name will be called. You will receive a candle as you hear the words, 'Receive the Light of Christ.' And in the darkness, you will see the light from your candles fill the room." A 5-year-old shouted with joy, "YES! Because the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!"

God can speak our language.

Bethany, age 8: "When we get baptized, we start learning about God. And we're just babies! Our parents take us to church and we CAN UNDERSTAND THINGS!! We can understand things without anybody telling us because GOD is telling us. God can speak our language. And when we sleep, God sends angels into our dreams.

Liturgy of the Light

During a celebration of the Liturgy of the Light:

Lina, age 4, looked frightened as she gazed into her lit candle. I asked if she was scared of the fire. She nodded yes without blinking or taking her eyes off of the flame. I asked if she wanted to blow her candle out. With equal intensity she shook her head no. Lina was experiencing deeply the power of the mystery; innately she knew that this power was greater than her fear.