Father Stahl said to us in RCIA that when you are baptized, you are forever plugged into the Body of Christ. He compared it to being a light bulb plugged on a dimmer switch – the kind where you can dim the light by turning the switch. He also said that even in times when your faith is weak, you are still plugged in. The light may be dim, but there’s still current flowing through it.
After my conversion, light for me took new meanings as I have experienced the times when the light is bright and I feel the power of the Holy Spirit. There are times when the light is dim and I feel weighed down by my sins.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus delivers the Parable of the Lamp:
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket
or under a bed,
and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;
nothing is secret except to come to light.
Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
I think my spiritual life is a constant determination of where I should put the lamp (meaning my faith).
Should I display it proudly or hide it under my bed?
Should I share the Good News or should I keep it private and under a basket?
Should I light a candle so that others can find it or hide it behind my hand so it won’t blow out?
I wonder how often I place Jesus in the most prominent place in my life?
What opportunities are there for me to share his light with those around me?
In a professional meeting last week, the human resource expert talked about different generations of Americans and what they bring (in general to the work place). As a Generation X (born between 1960 and 1980), she explained that we are independent. I fall into her characterization because in my independence, I spent that time hiding the light under my bed, loudly proclaiming that:
“I CAN DO IT MYSELF!”
Friends, I was dead wrong.
To reach my full potential, I must be plugged into the Body of Christ. I must seek out opportunities to understand and relate to my brothers and sisters. I can offer help and be a servant to those around me without expecting something in return.
I must loosen the death grip I have on my life and spirit and allow myself to be captured by the loving hands of God. I must swoon in his light so that I do not have to hide in the shame of my sins.
There’s something beautiful about the light.
My prayers and blessings to you.
†
You might also like these related posts from cinhosa:
What everybody ought to know about the family of Jesus
The refulgence of his glory
What is the intent of your worship?
You are more than…
Today we remember Saint Timothy
Related articles
- Living in the Light of Jesus (prhayz.com)
- “The measure you give will be the measure you get” (worryisuseless.wordpress.com)
- A Light Within The World, For All The World To See… (catholicjules.net)
Surrender to the will of God. Another great challenge. I need to lean on my Guardian Angel a lot more, and the Blessed Mother to help me be more like Jesus. Only good can come from being dependent on God, which we are even when we don’t realize it.
Posted by Barb Schoeneberger | January 29, 2012, 10:51 am