In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth,
the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss,
while a mighty wind swept over the waters.
Then God said,
‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.
God saw how good the light was.
God then separated the light from the darkness.
—Genesis 1:1–4The world is reckoned outside of the knowledge of God, enshrouded by the darkness of ignorance. Through the Apostles, the light of understanding is brought into it, and illuminated by the knowledge of God. Wherever the tiny particles of light have gone, darkness is dissipated.
—St. Hilary of Poitiers
Sometimes it is easier to become overwhelmed by the darkness of the world than to remember that God has equipped us, as Christians, to bring light that will dissipate the darkness. The light of our Christian faith will always stand in contrast to the darkness of the world, just as night is separated from day; but if we make an effort to nurture the light within ourselves, we will begin to illuminate the world around us. Things that were once shrouded in darkness will start to become visible again—including our faults and weaknesses that need to be healed. But if we turn to God with a pure heart, He will come gently like the dawn and guide us into the light of day. And He will make us shining lamps to extend His light outward to those around us.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.
—Matthew 5:14–16The Christian should be a luminous person: one who brings light, who always gives off light! A light that is not his, but a gift from God, a gift from Jesus. We carry this light. If a Christian extinguishes this light, his life has no meaning: he is a Christian by name only….It is truly God who gives us this light and we must give it to others. Shining lamps! This is the Christian vocation.
—Pope Francis
work in progress 