Your light must shine
Have you ever had to walk in complete darkness? What went through your mind as you tried to find your way? Helplessness, fear, uncertainty and despair come to mind. In the darkness our path is unclear. We cannot see signs and landmarks that point us in the right direction, nor the way out of the dark place.
So many people walk through life in figurative darkness. They can’t see what is ahead or even dare to hope for a brighter tomorrow because they are consumed by the darkness of homelessness, physical or mental illness, loneliness and isolation, or a financial crisis.
Jesus promises us that if we follow him, we will not walk in darkness but have the light of life (John 8:12). In baptism, we receive the light of Christ from the same Pascal Candle lit at the Easter Vigil to symbolize the light of the risen Christ who comes to dispel the darkness. Just as the light spreads from person to person until the darkness is illuminated, so too are we called to spread our light with others.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us that “your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” We do this daily through our work at Catholic Charities, parishes and partner ministries. Our ministries are often the light at the end of a very dark tunnel for the families we serve. We not only help them overcome the darkness of their present situations, but we shine the light of hope that can only be found in Christ.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us continue to shine our light on one another and those we serve. Let us remember that the light of Christ conquers all darkness.
Allison Cavazos serves as the Interim Executive Director for Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin. She and her husband Robert are active members of St. Louis, King of France Catholic Church.