Daily reflection _ we are to be light in the darkness

WE ARE TO BE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Jesus, in today's Gospel, uses the image of a lamp to describe how His disciples are to live in the light of truth and most importantly, love.  
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
The image of light and a lamp tell us a lot about God and His Kingdom! Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable us to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling around. God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy and peace. Jesus, in today's Gospel, uses the image of a lamp to describe how His disciples are to live in the light of truth and most importantly, love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness enabling us to see visually, so the Light of Jesus Christ shines in the hearts of us as believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's ways. Our mission is to be light-bearers of Jesus so that others may see the truth of the Gospel and be freed from the blindness of sinful ways. May we always listen to God and receive His wisdom and guidance to help us on our journey!
The goal of wisdom is a good life. Today we begin to read from the Book of Proverbs. The wisdom found there is so practical and so simple that we are tempted to just let it fly past us without allowing it to take root in our hearts. What would happen if we all lived by this wisdom every day of our lives? There would be total justice for all people; we would give always to all people and there would always be good results like no hunger, all would have clothing, a roof over their heads, friendships and kindness. WOW! Think about that. The goal that our heavenly Father has for us all is a happy and fruitful life together. To strive for the good life is not without frustration or suffering, there are many challenges to anything that is good.
In our Responsorial Psalm we acclaim, "Those who live by God's wisdom will never be disturbed" (cf Ps 15:5c). Our challenge is to listen to our heavenly Father and heed His voice and we will receive an abundance of wisdom, guidance and peace. By all this we will know the joy of living in God's Light!