I had the privilege of being one of three priests who officiated at one of my best friends wedding last month and I was struck by one prayer proclaiming that the couple should be as “radiant as the stars of heaven”.  Imagine the mystery and great challenge to become ‘radiant as the stars!  I love the invitation given by our church which constantly encourages us to become radiant, to become light into the world.

Most grade school students can tell us about photosynthesis – how green plants take in light energy and use it to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and carbohydrates. Without light there would not be photosynthesis. And, without photosynthesis there would not be life.  We need light!

When lights go out due to a power outage, there is a bit of suspense until we light that match illuminating that candle, so we can feel safe and walk here and there. 

When we hear Jesus Himself saying to His disciples you are the light of the world we cannot help but discover two things: The blessing that He placed upon them and the invitation to imitate Him by being Christ like, as Jesus said: “I am the light of the world.”

So in reality, what Jesus said to his disciples two thousands years ago, Christ is saying to us today.  If we want to follow Him, we are to be imitators of Christ in His love, His gentleness, His faithfulness and His light.  It is clear that Jesus does not ask us to produce our own light, but rather shine with the reflection of His light.

Truly, we must realize that we don’t have light of our own anymore than the moon has light without the sun or a light bulb has light without being connected to a power source.  Jesus didn’t say, “You are the light of Seattle, He said, “You are the light of the world” inviting us to be radiant within this dark world and spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth!

We are to live and act in ways that dispel darkness. This, my beloved brothers and sisters, is a high calling.  We are to become a light to help others find hope, possibility and direction to come to know Christ and to walk in the journey towards salvation.   We must begin igniting this light in our own homes and I encourage you to keep a candle lit in your icon corners as a reminder of this call.

As we prepare for our Holy feast of the Apostles, as we reflect on Christ’s Ascension into heaven, and as we prepare ourselves in prayer and stillness and reading God’s word to receive the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, let us make our aim to receive the light of Christ allowing this light to shine before all.                 

+ Fr. Tom