Refulgence
Today’s first reading describes Wisdom (the Old Testament name for the Holy Spirit) as “the refulgence of eternal light.”
“Refulgence” isn’t a word you hear much. If ever.
It means shining, radiant with brilliance. Not as a reflection of something else. But shining forth, from what’s on the inside.
The thing is, that shining forth isn’t just how the Holy Spirit works. It’s also how you and I work.
The only thing that ever shines forth – from any of us – is what’s on our inside.
Your first impulse? That response you made without thinking? What you blurted out? That’s what’s shining forth, from your inside.
If your first impulse, what you blurt out, is full of hope, peace, patience, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, love, then you know what’s on your inside. You are full of the Holy Spirit. It’s only way that any of that can shine forth.
If your first impulse, what you blurt out, is full of other stuff. Stuff like fear, anger, scorn, derision, hatred, resentment, envy. Then that’s what you have filled yourself with. It’s only way that any of that can shine forth.
Today, listen to that first impulse, what you blurt out. If what’s shining forth isn’t full of hope, peace, patience, strength, wisdom, forgiveness, love? Then it’s time to change what you’re filling yourself with.
Today’s Readings
