We didn't start the fire

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092225.cfm

A little homage to Billy Joel and his great rock 'n' roll history lesson, but it rings true. In today's Gospel it says 'no one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel'. Right, that makes sense. If you did that it would defeat the purpose of lighting the lamp. Here is the only problem with that: Too often we get convinced that we are the ones lighting the lamp.

God lit the lamp. The lamp is you. He intends for you to shine, and intends for you to be seen. He intends for HIS LIGHT to be seen through you. This world puts a great focus on the talents of people, and that can be a beautiful thing, but what is really meant to shine in us is God's goodness. Kindness, caring, love, concern for others, particularly those downtrodden and suffering.

Each of our particular lamps allows the light to shine in a particular way, and that is God showing His infinite creativity, but we have to always, every day, recognize whose light it is. Otherwise we lose humility. When we lose humility, it is less of God's light and more of our light that is shining. Our 'light' seems to need a spotlight on it to be seen well. God's light shines in the darkness. If you have ever had a friend or a loved one care for you through a tough time, you know exactly what I mean.

This 'shining' (not the creepy Jack Nicholson/ Stephen King kind) requires our daily focus and attention. Pray for this in the morning: that God might shine through you onto someone else. Look for every opportunity to be someone who reflects the love that God has for every single person that He has created. When we do this, God becomes real for others in the world. You didn't start the fire, but you can bring its light and heat to a cold dark world.