We Are the Light of the World

BIBLICAL POINT OF REFERENCE:

"Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"

~John 8:12

This isn't the only Bible verse that references light verses darkness; it's one of the many common themes that is pointed out all the time. And we hear it a lot in Mass too; in the priests' homilies, in music, and in our hearts. This tells me it must be important, and so I've always thought, "What is the best way to follow Jesus, our Light, and what is the best way to be a light for others?" I can't answer that question in several articles, much less one, but for me, a good way to start following Jesus and being a light for others is by being happy. Let me ask you all couple questions: How do you feel when you're on the beach and the sun is shining over the water? Maybe peaceful? Maybe happy? Or how do you feel when you're watching the sunrise? How do you feel when you see the beauty of nature highlighted by the most natural light that God created? I feel pretty happy when I see what God has given me, especially when I take the time to breathe it in and thank Him for it.

Now imagine that we all notice this beauty and rejoice in it, and so we go out into the world and we share that with others. Then those people notice that light inside of us, burning with God's love, and they share it too, and it keeps getting passed on and on. What would we have? Probably a much more pleasant place to live in for one thing, but we would also have this continuous light being spread between everyone, which started with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Just thinking about that possibility makes me happy!

I know this kind of thing hasn't happened yet; America is definitely in a fragile place right now, and there are so many people questioning what is light and what is darkness. Sometimes it's a fine line, and not all Catholics and Christians get it right consistently either. While we may not know how far away we are from eternal life in Heaven, a place of God's eternal Light, I know that being unhappy in a world full of God's Light isn't going to do anything but make other people unaware of our Creator. So I'll leave you with this: The biggest compliment I ever got was when my neighbor told me that she looks forward to seeing me because I'm always so happy. While this is in no way true (as hard as I try), I've realized that being happy to others is something that is noticed. And so my challenge for you ladies today is to be happy and a light for others, so that they may come to know God and may rest in His Light someday. Your Laughing Sister, Callahan Check out the HAPPINESS and SHE CAN LAUGH quotes pages for more inspiration!