A Reflection for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Find today’s readings here.
Jesus cried out and said,
“Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.
I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.”
I have fond memories of singing the joyful and hopeful song “This Little Light of Mine” from vacation Bible school when I was young (I converted to Catholicism in college) and to this day the lyrics remind me about how each of us is called to bring the light of God to others.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus came to us as a human. He understands the joy and struggles of being human and how hard it can be to navigate life in the world. Through his example, we are called to be more like Him and are challenged to bring light to our broken world; to each take our little light and make it shine just as Jesus did during his ministry.
Some days it is a downright struggle to find light in this world. The polarization in our country, ongoing unrest in Israel and Gaza, mass shootings or a sick loved one all dim our outlook on life. At times, we may feel hopeless, lonely or depressed but we must remember that when we turn to God, the shadows in our life do not go unheard or unseen. His love, which when we share with others, can spark our family, neighbors, the marginalized with the compassion needed to share the Good News.
Most days when my children go off to school, my parting words to them are, “Make it a great day.” Each of us has in our power to make it a great day—or better yet, to make it a great day for others. It is through feeding the hungry, listening to the lonely, opening our hearts to the marginalized and having the mindset to be a thoughtful, compassionate friend that God’s light shines through.
How are you and I going to spread God’s love and mercy today by bringing light into this world? If everywhere we go, we let our lights shine, God’s love, joy and hope will forever illuminate our hearts.
