St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church

Adapted by Amanda Hinson from EDGE Into the Dark Series

We just celebrated Easter—and maybe your family was able to light a candle together. We had our own small Easter vigil at home Saturday night. We lit a larger candle, repeating, “Jesus said, 'I am the light of the world.'” Then we all passed the light on with each person having their own candle. The dark room became lit so that we could see where we were going.

The light of Christ, in the same way, multiplies and shows us the way. It sets us free from the darkness. Fear must go, sin is washed away. But it doesn’t end there! There are people we know living lives in darkness and need the great love of Jesus Christ. He calls us to share His light with all those we encounter. With His love and light in our lives we never need to be afraid of anything even as we go into the dark.

Dear Jesus,

We need your light in our lives! Please come into my heart and help me share your light with those around me and those I come into contact with.

-Amen.

I recently learned that a person I grew up with in church has passed away from cancer this past year. She was so on fire for Christ. She passed on that light of Christ to everyone she could-- with gifts, with a smile, with hugs, with an encouraging word. Even though she died, still more are coming to the Light of Christ because of her story about how Jesus helped her overcome her fears with cancer. She had shared a video on social media, and literally hundreds of thousands of people are being touched by her life as that story has gone viral. Even a Muslim doctor was so impressed by the way the Light of Christ was around my friend and her family as she was dying that the doctor also converted even though that would mean possible excommunication from her own family.

LETTING THE LIGHT IN

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

 --Matthew 5:14-16

In order for us to share the light of Christ with others, we have to first let His light into our own lives. We must continue to let the light of Christ into the darkness of our sins — continue to form our conscience and awareness of our sins by using the examination of conscience, reading Scripture, listening to the good direction of trusted adults, and expelling the darkness of sin by regularly going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

It is also important to continue to let the light of Christ free us from the darkness of fear. Let Jesus into your life; pray to Him regularly and draw near to Him. Jesus’ light and love for you are real; there is no amount of darkness that will ever overcome you when you live in His light. My friend who was battling the fear of everything surrounding her cancer found freedom from her fears when she gave her whole life and all her hopes, desires, dreams, family, all she had to Christ, saying, “Jesus, I trust in you.”

SHARE THE LIGHT

There are people in our lives who may be experiencing the darkness of sin, fear, or suffering and need the hope and love of Christ. It's like they are in the dark room at night and need you to come in with a candle. You can inspire them to turn to Jesus in their time of need by the way you live your life. You can share the light of Christ with others by telling them about Him, inviting them to Mass or Edge—or sharing these blogs, an online Mass, or other uplifting post.

The enemy of our souls wants us to think that our lives don’t matter, that we are not going to make an impact if we share any love or light—but that’s not true. Never underestimate the witness of your own life. Don’t think that just because you’re young you can’t influence others. When the Light of Christ is in you, it’s His light that you’re sharing! It’s all about Him! When people see you treating others well, standing up for what is right, and refusing to cheat or gossip, they will know there is something different about you and maybe will even ask you about it!

1 Peter 3:13-17 says: "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,  but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,  having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil."

Whether you’re home in quarantine or back in the post-quarantine world, your actions can share Christ in big and small ways. As you share on social media, the things you post can be a huge influence about what you believe and what you set your mind on.

Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

It is not always easy to be a follower of Christ, but He promises to always be with us. He also promises that the reward for His followers who endure in goodness and truth will be great in heaven. (Matthew 5:11-1)

Remember that you are not alone. You have your friends and a Parish community to help you along the way as you strive to let the light of Christ into the darkness of your own life and the world around you.

Questions to ponder:

• Why does Jesus ask us to share His light rather than hide it?
• What would the world look like if no one lived in the darkness of sin or fear?
• What is one thing you can do starting today to more fully let the light of Christ into your life?
• How can you share the light of Christ with others?

Please comment and say hello! I am praying for you all! Share His light with the world!