A Theology of Light? "Come baby light my fire."

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

If Jim Morrison, the charismatic leader of the Doors (of Perception) had remained a Catholic he might have crafted a Advent hymn that centered on the line "Come baby light my fire."  Born in Advent, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (12/08/43), he was a marked man. He would be a prophet, one way or the other.

His early retirement from the physical world in 1971 remains a great tragedy (and mystery). Riders on the Storm is still bone chilling, and I haven't heard it in over 12 years.

Who won in The End? God only knows. (don't get me started now on Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys).  I must stay on task, I must stay on task, I must stay on task.

So to any priest reading this blog my advice is:

1. TURN OFF ALL THE LIGHTS AT MASS!

Have seven candles do the lighting (six on the altar, one for the tabernacle) and don't concern yourself with the rest. Think menorrah and Holy of Holies! Oh and have a sunrise service each morning this Advent when it is inconvenient to get to Mass.  Coming out of the darkness makes you appreciate the Light of Christ.

2. Preach deeply on the Theology of Light

Tell parishioners that the parking lot is closed—that they would be better served by walking in small groups from their localities to the Church...from the dark into the Light.

3. Continue to teach and discuss Light at breakfast. We who are inundated by artificial light (and this internet and cable TV are prime sources) are spiritually dying for True Light. We need a double dose of it along with our two cups of coffee.  A tour of the stained glass windows is a nice way to start.  You might even consider purchasing a wonderful DVD from NOVA on PBS.  Entitled Building the Great Cathedrals, it is a lesson on the inspiration of the Middle Ages that gave us such lasting beauty.
http://video.pbs.org/video/1619317222

We must all join the likes of Fr. Robert Barron who continues his work bringing Catholicism home. We see a great opportunity to witness to the True Light of Jesus Christ.  This GOOGLE Search on Theology of Light is a good place to start a reeducation without gnostic/New Age infiltration.  I'm going to click on Fra. Angelico and his great paintings.

REMEMBER: We must look to the East, to the Light from the East, to get our bearings.  Then we can see what a difference it means to "breathe with both lungs" so that we will have the energy to climb the mountain of the Lord and reach the high ground.  From there, the panoramic views are breathtakingly Catholic.

The End...as mysterious as the song—in Paris the City of Light, at age 27—in a bathtub as if he was being rebaptized—with a Greek inscription that translated, seems to mean "He followed (or "True to") his own spirit"—hero or heroin?

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary

Become like Jesus

Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ

See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph;

O Beata Trinitas;

St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael