The Sun (III)

There is a big difference between sunny days and days which are not sunny. When the sun shines brightly, it seems everywhere becomes greener, becomes vibrant, full of life, full of vigor and vitality. Stuck on the gloomy days, people will naturally feel boring, lifeless, and worry.

In fact, all these are feelings only. The heat and light of the sun are the basic requirements for all the creatures in the world. Plants and animals cannot lack of it. Even living in the twentieth century, we always trapped ourselves in an air-conditioned environment, but when there is cloudy days, we would say: "Today the weather is really bad."

Indeed, 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft.' (Psalms 19:2); however, the sun has occupied a special position. Psalms describes: 'For a sun and shield is the LORD God.' (Psalms 84:12) A good weather or a bad weather - can it help us to experience our different feelings with the Lord - more close to Him on some days; and distant from Him on some days?

The Sun (II)

Do not know the reasons why, under the sunlight, the mulberry tree seen through the window, has become particularly charming, especially lovable. The scorching sun which discloses between the thick branches and leaves appears with shy.

Think about it, the tree is always the same tree; green leaves are still green, brown sticks are still brown.However, take a look , it actually has added an extraordinary splendor, a ray has put on it, and it shows more vitalities.

I have heard such a traditional spiritual phrase - grace is built on one's own nature. All the times, I am only half understood its meaning. Now while I am looking at the mulberry tree which is immersed in the sunlight, suddenly, I feel the scales fall from my eyes.

The sun (I)

As a Franciscan, talks about the sun, really must remember the works of our founder, St.Francis - "The Canticle of Brother Sun". This is the first poem written by Italian in the history. Schools in Italy, still take this poem as their literature teaching materials. However, what it attracts people is the deepest spiritual sentiment that it reveals, more than seven centuries, countless of souls are deeply attracted and to be followers.

In poetry, Francis called the sun as brother, moon as sister. It's so romance, so pretty. In his eyes, God the creator is the Father of all, human and all creatures of course are all in one. It's undoubtedly that he had achieved the state of "world and my parallel intergrowth, myriad things and I am one". Even as terror as death, Francis also called it as sister. Because through her, man returns to the embrace of God.

You must not say that you have not got the same experience of spirituality of St.Francis. To find a morning and take a walk in the soft sunshine, feeling its soothing warmth; close your eyes, experience the light infiltrates your innermost. Then, if you wish, why not say thanks to the sun.

Sun is everywhere

When I was small I took bus, I always sat by the window, looking around with greedy eyes. However, one day the setting sun at dusk really scared me. Usually the sun looked like a flame, but suddenly it became so mild and so nice, it seemed to be the first time for me to see its original appearance so clearly. "But why the bus has gone for several streets, it still in the same position at the window, and always follow us?" I asked my mother. My mother sitting beside me, had not yet thought of anything how to answer this child's question, while all other people in the bus already laughed.

Of course, I won't ask the same question now. But if I hear a child asks such question, I won't laugh at him. I will tell him, yes, sun is always be with us. Because it is always willing to shine, to warm us, to protect us. Even in black clouds, it still waiting at the back, even at night time, it is still in the moonlight, telling us it was there. Yes, you are right, sun is everywhere.