Let Your Light Shine
Author: Winifred Montgomery (Gauteng, South Africa)
When I visited an area known for fireflies recently, the leader of the group led us down a pathway to the river in total darkness. Silently we got into a boat, and the oarsman rowed us downstream.
As we floated past the bushes growing on the banks of the river, we were delighted to see clouds of fireflies lifting up into the darkness. They performed a pirouette and then resettled in the next bush. The fireflies repeated this display all the way down the river—brightening each area for a few seconds.
In today’s reading, Jesus reminds us that, like those fireflies, we are called to let our light shine in the world and into the lives of others. When we encounter someone who feels depressed or discouraged or who has lost hope, we have an opportunity to share the light of Christ’s love.
Prayer: God of Light, fill us with your love so that we may brighten the way for those who stumble in darkness. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.’* Amen
