You are the light of the world

As we move to a life of holiness, it can be a little scary.

We think it will be too hard, that it will demand too much of us, and that we will have no place in the life we want to live.

I beg to differ.

The hard part is the hiding it, don’t you think? How intimidated are we when there is a chance to talk about our faith?

The topic of religion comes up often with me. As soon as someone asks what I do, I have to tell them that I am an inspirational writer. The questions always lead to me telling them I’m Catholic, which is a little daunting given all that has been happening the last few months. I never know if someone is going to lambast me for staying in the Church or if they will have questions, concerns, or anger and will have just found a place to unload them.

Yet, every time they ask, I answer, because I know that each conversation can be a moment of healing, comfort, and grace if I let it. If I hide who I am and what I know, that opportunity is completely missed.

Most of the time, though, I am surprised. Lately, I am the one given support for the trials that my Church is going through. I am the one who is comforted and encouraged by the support and sympathy of people on the outside.

In shining my light, I have allowed them to shine theirs.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-15)

That’s the thing. The more we allow our light to shine, the more comfortable others are in sharing theirs. We long to shine. It’s what we were made for, remember? I see it every day. People flock to those who are holy because of it. Mother Teresa had thousands who came to help with her work. It was dirty, it was hard, but it was life-changing and they knew it. Most people didn’t expect to become holy, they just wanted to be near her holiness. But in being a part of it, they were transformed as well. So many lives were changed from small interactions with her. Not because she told them they had to change, but because they experienced the difference that a life of holiness brings to even the worst of circumstances and they couldn’t live without it.

Shine your light. Don’t be afraid. Then watch as others start to shine around you. It’s such a beautiful sight.