Scripture:
Reflection:
How confident are you that you’re going to heaven? Are you very confident, somewhat hopeful, a bit worried, or maybe afraid that you’ll never make it? Many of us find it hard to imagine how God sees us. We work so hard to present out best selves to the public we can forget that God sees everything about us, the private darkness as well as the public image. And, when we do remember that, it can be a bit scary.
If we do find ourselves struggling with some anxiety about how God sees us, today’s Gospel passage can be something of a surprise for us. Jesus tells us that we are a light for the world. We need to put ourselves on a stand and let our light shine for all to see! Who? Me?!
Yet, that is what Jesus tells his disciples! Whether we feel confident about our relationship with God or not, it seems that God has a great deal of confidence in us. He tells us that we are to get up on the lamp stand and shine for all the world to see. We are to be living witnesses of God’s love for the world. Even though he knows that we’re not perfect, or rich, or powerful, or famous, or whatever else we imagine is important to do the job, Jesus still tells us that we have everything we need within us. And that “everything” consists of God’s love for us!
So, today, let’s make an attempt to listen to Jesus and do what he asks. Let your light shine so everyone can see what God’s love has done in you.
Fr. Michael Higgins, C.P. is the director of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.