22 September, Monday — God lighting up my life

Monday of Week 25 in Ordinary Time

Ez 1:1-6
Lk 8:16-18

“No one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed.“

In my more than 20 years here in Singapore, there was only one time that there was a power outage. Light has always been accessible to me, so much so that I have somewhat forgotten what it feels like to go without light. Many of us may be able to relate to this. We can do anything any time because there is light. Because light is so accessible, many of us may not have had the opportunity to reflect on how much a small flicker of light can bring a welcome respite in darkness. Therefore for this reflection, I would like to invite you to a reflection on what light, even a tiny one, can do in our lives.

Light wakes us up and this is scientific. In fact, light therapy is used to help people sleep and wake up. Some hotels even use light to wake people up instead of the traditional alarm clock with sound. Is there anything in your life that you need a wake-up call on? Let’s ask for the light of the Holy Spirit.

Light cheers us up, and it amazes us. Many people have fallen in love with sunrises or sunsets. There are many places that feature illumination installations to amaze visitors. And the reason why we can see all these beautiful things that make us smile is because of light. I’m sure you’ve smiled when you see a rainbow. Is there anything in your life that needs some cheering up? Ask for the light of Christ.

Light gives us warmth. Where the sun shines, warmth is sure to follow. Besides helping us see, light warms up the place. Where there is no light, it is usually cold. Think of the deep sea. It’s so cold because light cannot penetrate deep into the ocean. Hot things usually glow. So with light comes warmth. Is there anything in your life that you need to experience the warmth of love? Maybe you can ask God the Father to give you the warm light of his Fatherly love.

And just as God is lighting up our lives, he also wants us to be a light for others. Is there someone you can bring your light to? It doesn’t have to be a bonfire, just a tiny flicker of a candle will do. Maybe a simple smile, a kind word, or a warm act of love.

When God said, ‘Let there be light,’ I think God was also thinking of the light He created in us.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Villa)

Prayer: Lord, please light up my life.

Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for the lights the Saints bring into the world. Thank you for the light of St Padre Pio.