Sunday, September 21, 2014

Being Light for Others

Because I have been blogging on the scriptures for three years, today I will begin to rewrite previous blog posts and repost them. I will also occasionally be posting new blog entries about aging with faith and the new evangelization.

“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.” (Lk 8:16)

Today we have an opportunity to reflect on one of the most accessible images in the entire gospel. The word Light appears almost 100 times in the New Testament. Not only are we encouraged to light a lamp and put it someplace so that others can see, the gospel also calls Jesus the light of the world and reminds us that John the Baptist was the light who prepared the world for Jesus' coming. 

Electricity has become so natural and so accessible to life as we know it that we often take it for granted. A couple of years ago, after Hurricane Irene swept through the Northeast of the United States, millions of people were left without electricity. However, almost everyone with whom I spoke simply said we have no light. Living without light was not only difficult, for some it was dangerous. Not having light, especially at night, made life for the elderly and disabled dangerous. Not able to see where they were going or get out of their homes easily, they felt frightened and trapped. 

We can be light for one another simply by standing near those in need. We do not have to do anything. We have only to let the light Christ which enlightens our life, shine on those beside whom we stand. Could anything be more simple?

Today, let your light shine on others by walking with them in spirit but saying nothing.

Who do you allow to walk with you in faith?

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