Let It Shine

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”
Luke 8:16–18
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Let It Shine
Most of us are familiar with the children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine.” It is sung in Sunday school classrooms and during VBS all the time. It is an easy and understandable introduction to younger children about the faith they have been given and their call to share the Good News with others. In the reading for today, Jesus stresses the practical implications and public nature of faith in Him. Whoever becomes His disciple will be scrutinized. The presence (or lack) of Christian fruit is plain for all to see. There is no hiding it. We are called to contemplate and meditate upon the Word of God. And when the Holy Spirit grants us new life in Christ through faith, we can’t but tell others about it. The flame ignited in us is the same flame that is preached day in and day out by faith preachers. That flame is placed on its lampstand, the Church, where it lightens the whole world. By its proclamation, the Word of God gives light to all who are in this world and illuminates those in His holy house with the rays of the truth, filling the minds of all with divine knowledge. And in this truth, the cross of Christ shines brightly to the world.