Let it Shine

Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16

"Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."

A lamp is an object wherein is placed a light or light source.  The lamp then is so constructed in such a way that the light placed within it radiates light and warmth in all directions.  It is an instrument of illumination that itself does not create its own light but exists in order to shine the light of another outward for others.  People illuminated by it marvel and give thanks for the light itself, not the lamp in which the light resides.

This is the task of the Christian.  We have been made to illuminate the divine light that has been placed within us, to bring light and warmth to others by our deeds of love and mercy.  We are not to call attention to ourselves with our social media influencing and endless self-promotion.  We are to radiate the light and warmth of Christ  in such a way that people see only the light and feel the warmth and not to have any attention placed on ourselves.  

We are also called to see that light of Christ in other people, to celebrate it and encourage it to shine brightly in the world so that our world might be a little less dark, a little less cold.  That light exists within each human being.  It is the task of the Church to cultivate that light, to celebrate its existence, and to give confidence to those who bear it to let it shine.