let it shine

Let It Shine!
Now that the Winter Solstice has passed, daylight gradually increases after the longest dark days of the year. Just as the darkness in our days can cause depression, prolonged periods of despair can rob us of hope and our sense of direction. Despair, often viewed as an opposing force, is actually the absence of hope in our lives, just as darkness is the absence of light. We must learn to accept despair for what it is: a lack of hope. From that understanding, we can begin to find our way out of the darkness. Just as the light of a candle transforms a dark room, a glimmer of hope transforms lives.
Friends, we must intentionally cultivate hope in dark days of despair. Numerous sources of hope surround us, such as our faith, our friends and family, and even the promise of a new day. It doesn’t have to be a grand or dramatic gesture; a simple glimmer of hope, like light, can often be enough. In times of despair, a thoughtful text, call, or card can encourage someone to overcome the darkness. Never underestimate the power of a glimmer of hope or the illuminating impact of the light of Christ in you. Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Happy New Year!
Fr. Greg

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