Mtr Mary Trainor

Lead kindly light…*

Dear friend,

“Light,” or symbols of light, seem to be popping up all around me these days. It’s been my experience that things like this don’t happen without a reason.

…amid the encircling gloom

What is the reason? I have no idea. But I do know it means to stay dressed for action, and have my lamps lit, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel from Luke.

God is working, and I am to be quiet and listen, watch, lest I miss the point.

…the night is dark and I am far from home.

Maybe you’ve known similar times. They are not particularly comfortable. Some say that in such times we are discerning the will of God. That can take a while.

…lead thou me on.

I often turn to this familiar hymn for guidance, comfort. I listen to the reassuring words of others who have gone this way before me. Not that our paths nor the depth of our search are the same. But rather, in some way or other we trod the pilgrim’s path, led on by an incredibly beautiful—and kindly—light

—Mtr Mary

Read more of this hymn’s rich history.

*Originally a poem titled “the Pillar of the Cloud” that became the hymn, Lead kindly light. Words by John Henry Newman. 1833  Listen here.