Light in the World

I’ve said that the inspiration for The Pivotal Pastor occurred while returning home after attending the funeral of a former pastor, Fr. Ron Lewinski. I believe I received “advance notice” about that inspiration. It happened during the vigil service the night before the funeral.  

My wife and I were seated toward the front of the church, close to where Lewinski lay in state. On the wall opposite us was the sanctuary’s only stained glass window, designed by the architect Dirk Lohan. 

Unlike most such windows, it doesn’t depict saints or elaborate designs. Instead, it has a cross and sun above rolling fields of flourishing crops. It shows a barn and silos. (Immigrant farmers established St. Mary’s, and the bible often mentions barns.)  

Light from the setting sun was passing through the window into the sanctuary. While the sun settled toward the horizon, friends and a family member of Lewinski’s spoke from the podium, sharing memories of him.  

As I listened to their stories, I watched the light beam from the setting sun striking the floor. It slowly but almost perceptively progressed toward me. I became intrigued by its movement, paying as much attention to it as I did to the speakers

The blade of light crept across the floor. It reached the legs of the platform on which rested the casket. It began moving up the skirt below the casket. I thought, “Is this really happening?” I was now entranced, not by the person speaking but by the light. Then it happened.  

The light illuminated Lewinski! The symbolism of the light struck me. I felt chills.  

It was as if light was brought to Lewinski in death just as he had brought the Light of the World to so many during his life. I thought, “There’s a reason I’m here now.” The eleven-hour drive from home became even more worthwhile at that moment. During the return trip, I would receive my inspiration.  

One can say that nothing special was going on. The sun rises and sets. If I returned in a year, I could watch the light move through the sanctuary the same way, following the same path.  

But there was only one time in my life that the circumstances of that night could exist. 

It was not the last time during my journey of writing The Pivotal Pastor that something more than coincidence seemed to be at work. (More about that later.)  

August 9th is National Book Lover’s Day. I hope you have a good read nearby!

You can see more of the unique Art and Design at St. Mary of the Annunciation by visiting https://inyourservice.org/smota_ad

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