Shine Forth

You are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14)

Isn’t it funny how a statement like this can make us feel anxious? “Me? A light to the world? I’ve got a lot of work to do in order to live up to this! I’m sure I don’t shine half as brightly as God wants me to. How can I possibly measure up to this?”

Relax! Jesus said you are the light, not you should be the light or you might be the light if you try hard enough. He said you are like a city on a hill; you can’t help but be seen. Even if your light is under some kind of a basket, it still shines out through the cracks.

Jesus can say these things because the light in you comes from God, not from yourself. It’s already there, even if you don’t see it. This means that you don’t have to try extra hard to shine. Jesus’ light will shine out from you; it’s what light does!

St. Philip Neri was like that. His friends called him “the electric eel” because he just seemed to draw people to himself—and even more so to God—naturally. You probably know someone like that yourself: a member of your parish perhaps or a friend from school or work. People are drawn to them because they seem to shine.

The good news is that you received that same light when you were baptized; you just need to let it shine out. If there are any “bushel baskets” blocking your light, let the Holy Spirit show them to you and help you remove them.

What does this light look like? Maybe it will shine as you smile at the cashier in the grocery store or as you get coffee for your co-worker or spouse. Maybe it will shine when you take the time to give your full attention to someone, even if you’re in a hurry.

Little acts of love like these can bring light and warmth to the people around you. Not only will they enjoy being with you, but they will also get a glimpse of the life of God that is in you. And that heavenly light can draw them to Christ.

“Jesus, I believe that nothing can extinguish your light! Teach me how to let that light shine more and more brightly.”

from wau.org