On September 15 Guatemala celebrates it’s independence along with all of Central America. The tradition is to carry a torch all around these countries. Beginning in Guatemala City and ending in Costa Rica’s former colonial capital Cartago, the “running of the torch” relay remains a much-loved Independence Day tradition and attracts large, excitable crowds year in year out. Equally respected are the privileged torch bearers of the “Antorcha de la Independencia” relay. Preserving a tradition dating back to the night before the historic day itself (14th September 1821) in which independence hero, María Dolores Bedoya, ran through the streets of Guatemala carrying a lantern as a symbol of hope for the nation’s liberated future, modern-day participants take equal pleasure in celebrating their continued independence.
In the bible it talks about carrying our light of hope to the lost world. John the Baptist came to witness about the light that all might believe through him. He was not the light but the true light was coming into the world. Through Jesus we are to be the light to the world. It is wonderful how light can penetrate darkness but darkness can not penetrate light. The light (Jesus) has overcome the darkness(evil one). As Christians, we are all called to carry the light of Jesus into the world.
We have had the priviledge to get to know a wonderful young couple these past 9 months. They were only here for a season but they did not hesitate get fully involved in everything they could. We celebrated their life here last weekend. The will be leaving for the states in about a week. They will be gone but never forgotten. Rob and Laura worked in a children’s home for the disabled, and they worked in a homeless ministry. Laura came here very shy about singing in front of people but when she sang the whole room would light up with the presence of the Holy Spirit in her. They have both been such a gift. They both picked up many torches while they were here. Many of the torches are still lit, like the new homeless shelter that they helped start. The other torches will need to be picked up by someone else. We are all called to carry the torches of hope into the darkness of this world. It is just like it is in the Olympics, it is an honor to carry the torch. We should be carrying our torches with such honor, after all Jesus died for us in order for us to carry the torch.
