Seeing the Light in Us
theophilus January 27th, 2008
How do people see me? What do they think of me?
Have you ever asked yourself these questions?
We go throughout our days engaging with others - whether they be family, friends, colleagues, strangers. We have thoughts about them – we have perceptions about them – even if we notice them for just a moment as they are walking by.
But, have we ever thought about how they must perceive us? Sometimes, we get concerned about what people think about us – say, when our kids are throwing a tantrum in public. But, do we really think about how we are perceived on a day-to-day basis – especially by those who are closest to us?
For some reason, I’m thinking about these questions as I read through today’s first reading from Isaiah 8 and gospel from Matthew 4. The gospel tells how Jesus quotes a passage from Isaiah 8 in relation to his ministry. “[T]he people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.”
Christ is the light. But how many of us have truly seen this light and let it shine within our soul? How many of us have let this light shine from within us so that others may see it? Christ works through us. He makes himself known through us. He wants us interacting with others, engaging them, and bringing them to him.
This world – our world – our lives – are filled with people walking in darkness. If we really paid attention to the people we come into contact with during the course of our day, we will notice those who seem sad, depressed, lost. We will see the one’s who seem to making the wrong choices, over and over again.
And that’s where we come in. When others see us and draw up their perceptions of us – what do they see – what do they think? Do they see the Light of Christ? Do they see the goodness and grace that Christ sends through us to them? Do they experience peace and joy from coming into contact with us?
Let’s think objectively about how people see us – and resolve that what they see is the love of Christ.
In today’s gospel, Christ calls after Simon and Andrew to “[c]ome after me.” Let us not only go after Christ, but let’s show his light so that other’s go after him as well.
So, think again, how do others see you?
What a great week for saints!!
Can we achieve perfection? Should we even try? Or is the effort itself enough?
In life, we come face to face on a daily basis with people who we can either choose to relate to or avoid. Some are those with whom we meaningfully interact . . . and there are probably more who we leave behind or pass by without a second thought. They may need our help, our patience, a simple connection. And we choose to pass them by and get on with our lives . . . with the people who matter to us.
Today the Church commemorates the life of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscans.
