Let your light shine!

Let Your Light Shine
Now that the Winter Solstice has passed, daylight is gradually increasing in what has been a long, dark year. Much like increased darkness in our days, months of despair can rob us of our hope and sense of direction. Like darkness, despair, often perceived as an opposing force, is rather 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 truth, we can begin to find our way out of the darkness. Just as the light of a candle transforms the darkness of a dark room, a glimmer of hope can transform the despair in our lives.
Friends, we must intentionally develop a sense of hope in our lives during days of darkness and despair. There are numerous sources of hope all around us, such as our faith, friends, family members, and even the hope found at the start of a new day. It doesn’t have to be a grand or dramatic plan; just a simple glimmer of hope will often suffice. An intentional thought that the darkness is temporary will often let a glimmer of light in. During dark days of despair, a text, call, or card can provide all the hope someone needs to overcome the darkness. Friends, never underestimate the power of a glimmer of hope or the enlightening impact of the light of Christ within you. So “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5-16).”
New Year Blessings,
Fr. Greg

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