We are anticipating a total eclipse of the sun in April. The moon is audacious enough to try to be the sun for a few quick moments. Instead of sunlight, earth will be covered by a moon shadow. We can’t even look with our naked eye because the unnatural light is blinding. It brings to mind one of my favorite childhood songs (Moonshadow) and this quote from Richard Rohr.
“All the great persons I have ever met are characterized by what I would call “radical humility.” They are deeply convinced that they are drawing from another source; they are instruments. Their genius is not their own; it is borrowed. They understand that we are moons, not suns, except in our ability to pass on the light.” – Richard Rohr
It leaves me wondering about myself. Am I a moon? Am I a sun? The answer is yes. I am the moon in its various phases: new, waxing (growing), waning (shrinking), and full. Sometimes I am fully moon– but more often I attempt to be the sun.
My ego is a waxing moon, trying to grow bigger with each new day–and in doing so, I lose my true sense of self. Ego always prefers to be the center of it all, encouraging me to believe that all life should revolve around me. Ego fights incredibly hard to be the sole motivating source of my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors– it casts a selfish and ugly shadow.
When I find my way back to my authentic and true self, I am more at peace and joyful. This is my full moon phase and when my whole being is completely backlit by my source of light and life. When I am fully moon– I am also completely at one with my Creator. Holy light flows in and through me. It’s when I bear the sweetest fruit–everyone and everything around me benefits. It’s never a point of arrival–it’s a lifelong journey of inner work.
When we look to the night sky, might we be reminded that full moons make way for Holy light. Thanks be to God for full moons!
This reflection inspired by full moons and Moonshadow by Yusuf/Cat Stevens.
Beautiful post. Thank you!