Last week, in the middle of our snowstorm, we heard Jesus teach the Beatitudes declaring whom God has blessed. Uniting that passage with today’s adds another dimension to what we are called to do. We can enlighten others with the lessons of the Beatitudes like a light on a lampstand. Choosing to make peace rather than seek conflict inspires others to do so as well. Witnessing to our faith in eternal life with a merciful God comforts others who mourn. Working for justice and righteousness inspires solidarity with others who hunger for those ideals as well. Living out the Beatitudes openly helps others to see their value and follow suit.
If we are the light of the world, as Jesus tells his disciples, it is because we are reflecting the light of Christ, who also told them that he was the light of the world and all who followed him would have the light of life. When we were baptized we were given a candle, lit from the Easter candle, and told to always walk in the light of Christ. Throughout our lives, we should be conscious of that flame burning in our hearts, which we reflect to the world when we shine that light into the shadows of sin and injustice, shadows of poverty and evil, shadows that the light of Christ can dispel. May we be conscious of receiving the Lord in Word and the Eucharist, so that we may go forth to shine the light of Christ, transforming the darkness around us.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
Today, February 5, is observed as World Day for Consecrated Life. We pray for and thank those women and men who serve Christ and his church in religious life taking the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Saturday, February 11, is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, World Day of Prayer for the sick. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us.
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