Light A Candle

   “I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13: 47)

   Paul spoke those words to Gentiles to assure them that God loves all.  In the new covenant there would be no Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free; the good news of the Gospel applies to everyone.  We too, as Christians, have been made a light for Christ.  We must do our best to share that light.

 For the last few days I’ve been discussing light and darkness in our world.  Anyone who has eyes can readily see that the light is struggling in a world that clearly prefers darkness.  But what are we to do about it?

   While we can’t change the world, we can be a light to those we know and love.  Our light burns best when it burns with love for God and others.  That love can encourage others to take up the light.

   But what kind of light are we to use?  A bright spotlight in someone’s eyes causes them to turn from the light.  If we approach others with such a light we risk pushing them away; their eyes aren’t accustomed to such glare.  However, if we reach out with the light of a candle it can be more welcoming, inviting a closer relationship.  Turning on a room full of bright lights might be good for reading or needle-point but for a quiet, loving discussion candle-light is much better.  Candles create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort that bright lights can’t provide.

   Candles offer another advantage as well; the light can be shared.  A second or third or fourth candle can be lit from your own candle and given away.  Sharing the flame of your candle can brighten their lives but will never dim your own candle.  In fact, the best way to keep your candle burning brightly is to share it as often as possible with as many as possible.

   When we share God’s light we receive even greater light.  Light, love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness.  These are the gifts that we have to offer; these are the gifts that grow greater within ourselves because we have given them to others.

Father, Your light shines within us.

Help us to share that light with others.

The more we share your light the more light we receive.

The more we share your love the more we are loved.

Amen