Administrators Pompeii Posted June 21, 2023 Administrators Share Posted June 21, 2023 One Thing, Jesus Christ. SPECIAL EDITION ARTICLE #19 - June 21st, 2023 by Fr. Ben Daghir Editor's Note: Fr. Ben Daghir reflects on the summer solstice and how the changing of daylight provides a spiritual truth. As the light decreases from June to December, we also must decrease through humility. As the light increases from December to June, we also must allow for the light of Christ to increase. Article: Summer officially begins on Wednesday, June 21st. The summer solstice will occur at 10:57 am. The days will slowly but surely become shorter and shorter. The Catholic Church celebrates the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on Saturday, June 24th. John stated “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30). Of course, John was referring to Jesus Christ. The scriptural passage provides an obvious connection to the summer solstice: as the light decreases after June 24th, we also must decrease through humility and sacrifice. This decrease in light leads into the winter solstice which will occur on December 21st at 10:27 pm. Then, the days will slowly but surely become longer and longer. This, of course, is just in time for the birth of Jesus. With His birth, a light emerges in the world and the darkness does not overcome it. The light of Christ magnifies, intensifies, and covers the globe just like the light after the winter solstice. Jesus must increase. We must decrease. Both the summer and winter solstice are a practical reminder of something that should be happening within our minds and hearts. We must decrease so that Jesus Christ may increase. ======================== Fr. Ben Daghir is a priest for the Diocese of Erie. He is a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Marys, Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, and St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He considers writing one of his favorite hobbies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts