Light

"Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket." Mt 5:14

Last week I had an opportunity to spend time with the Capuchin postulants of North America, twenty three remarkably diverse young men who will soon be novices. One postulant is a Chaldean Catholic from Syria whose family emigrated to Canada. Another is a Jewish convert who was born in Israel. Three are from Mexico, others are from Ecuador. The light of Christ is very bright indeed and these young men are not putting their lights under a bushel basket.

The gospel today reminds us that we are salt and light, people who are supposed to bring flavor, perseverance, healing and hope to the world. Gathering with such a diverse group of committed and joyful young men was a wonderful reminder that God continues to do God's work even in a church as hurt and broken as ours.

Being a light in the world is simple, but often difficult. It means discerning when to speak or be quiet in difficult circumstances. It means doing the right thing even when it is unpopular. It means remembering that it is not our own light but Christ's that we put on the mountain top so that all can see.

Today, be a light to others.

What or who brings the light of Christ into your life?