From the Beginning
The third line of Genesis reads, Then God said, “Let there be light.” It goes on to tell us that the light was good.
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
~ Genesis 1: 3-5 ~
We understand that, from the beginning of creation, light was not only good but vital in keeping us from darkness. Luke 11: 36 tells us, “If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays.”
So, we are taught that, in order to follow Jesus, we must stay on the path of His light and in this, we shall radiate His light for others to see.
Jesus gives us this example in John 5: 35 when referring to John the Baptist, He said, “He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
Let your Light Shine
In Matthew 5: 16, Jesus tells us, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Have you ever seen a person whose devotion to God is so heartfelt that his love radiates beyond any spoken words? It is a special kindness; a willingness to serve selflessly and with absolute humility and it is purely for love of God. When we see this in others, we witness the light of Jesus being radiated through man. No words are necessary. This is what Our Lord asks of us and, if we work to please Him, it becomes our life’s purpose.
How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance.
~Psalm 89:15~
How do we Radiate the Light of Jesus?
How do we become a lamp for Christ? We begin with prayer. Saint Paul, in Thessalonians, tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Ask for forgiveness and forgive others. We cannot walk in the light of Christ if we cannot forgive. In Mark 11, Jesus taught us, “Whenever you stand to pray, forgive if you have anything against anyone so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” Live humbly. Pride will cast a shadow of darkness trying to extinguish your light. Trust. And most importantly, believe.
“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
~Matthew 21:22~
Light Casts out Darkness
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
~John 8: 12~
Let us remember His promise and trust that, in following Him, our light can bring others to Him. He is the Light of the world. Keep this first in mind and heart and as long as we live as He taught, we can become sons of Light. Remembering and believing this, we will not go off the path.
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all.
~ 1 John: 1:5~
“Blessed the one who has shone by the light of faith of the Lord, like a radiant lamp on a tall lampstand, and has enlightened souls that are darkened, for they followed the heresy of the faithless and impious.”
~Saint Ephrem of Syria~
By Marilyn Nash
Writer Bio
Marilyn Nash is a rosary artisan, artist, writer and designer. Author of the book ~ The Sacred Strand, Praying the Rosary with Saints and Artists. She is certified is Religious Education (Providence College, USA) and has taught both children and adults, specializing in Catholic themes and doctrine related to Mary and the Rosary. Also a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, her passion is painting sacred and spiritual art.
