Amazing Rays

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Perhaps you’ve seen them.

We have. Many times. And not just at Medjugorje, Fatima, Lourdes, or Betania (which are known for “solar miracles”): what meteorologists label “crepuscular ray,” blazes of glory that stream from the sun. They happen at interesting moments.

For instance, a meteorologist named Jodi Kodesh spotted beams of light (also known as “glory” rays) beaming atop and from behind Saint Peter’s Basilica just as Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2025.

We noted likewise and used the images on the front page the day of Leo’s stunning election. Was it simply because they’re especially prone to occur at sunset or sunrise?

The election occurred at 6:07 p.m.

On May 8 sunset wasn’t until 8:16 p.m.

There have been other rays at St. Peter’s.

To wit:

Visiting the Vatican - Absolutely all you need to know | Romewise

And in our lives?

Often, they seem to occur or at least draw notice as special times.

It may well be Heaven’s way of winking at us.

“Crepuscular rays, also called ‘Jesus rays,’ are columns of sunlight that appear to radiate from the sky,” says a photography site. “This is formed when sun rays, which stream through edges or gaps in clouds, light up the haze or dust particles in the atmosphere. These rays, possessing the quality of transparency and pureness, convey a sense of holiness and tranquility to the viewers, and are thus called ‘Jesus rays.’ From the viewpoint of photography, this is a one-of-a-kind and treasurable sight that makes a good photographic subject for the lucky ones.”
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In Chase of Holy Light and Shadow Shooting Tips for Crepuscular Rays- [Canon Hongkong Company Limited]

Do you see a face or just the configuration of clouds?

Sometimes you wonder: Is anything really an “accident”?

Or is it just that we don’t “get it” yet?