You are here for a reason

I’m sure there have been moments when you have been in a dark room or driving at night in a rural area where it’s pitch black and you’re trying to find your way. It can be a bit nerve-wracking and you may start to feel uncomfortable. In darkness, we can lose our way. Our senses are heightened because we’re not sure what is around us, so we become anxious.

We are blessed that Christ came to be our light in this world to help us find our way to heaven. Christ said in John’s Gospel 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” The light represents the way, and the truth and the life of Christ. If we follow him then our reward will be in heaven. If we turn away from Christ and walk towards the darkness or the evil of this world, then we may not like the result. 

The message from today’s readings takes the theme of “light” one step further. Not only is Christ our light, but God expects us to be a light for others. Even though we may feel unworthy, each of us has our own gift to offer. Each of us is here for a reason. God tells us not to hide the light under a bushel basket but instead to share the light of his Truth so that others will benefit. 
 
In the first reading from Isaiah, God encourages us to share our bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless, clothe the naked and do not turn your back on your own. Then in the gospel from Matthew, Christ tells his disciples that their “light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” This directive is also meant for each of us. 

We know this is a tough request. For many of us our faith is strong but private. We may have grown up during a time when we did not share or talk about our love for God. We also may have not felt confident of our own ability to speak on behalf of God.  Know this: you’re not the first one to feel this way. Remember how scared the apostles were after Jesus was arrested and then crucified? It wasn’t until after they saw the resurrected Christ and received the gift of the Holy Spirit did they find the courage to speak up and defend the faith. St. Paul, in today’s second reading, said he came in weakness and fear and much trembling. He told the Corinthians not to place their faith on human wisdom but instead on the power of God. 
In this case, our weakness can be a strength. It’s when we recognize our weakness and ask God to step in. It may sound somewhat like this:  
How many of us have made that request to the Father? You’re not alone. God can do things much better than us if we let Him. God knows we may not know what to say or how to say it. There’s no shame in asking God for help. But some of us are too stubborn to ask. 
Some of us have an ego. We don’t think we need Him to help us with life. I heard a speaker one time define ego by saying it could be an acronym that stands for “Easing God Out.” That’s exactly what happens with some people because they are engrossed solely in themselves, concerned with their own needs, interests and welfare. They don’t think they need anybody’s help. 

What if Christ walked up to you and said, “You are the light of the world. I’m counting on you.” What would you do? Would you be encouraged or overwhelmed? If you let God work through you, amazing things can happen. All of us are here for a purpose. Let the Spirit stir your soul. It’s an incredible feeling! Others will see your joy when you speak of your love for the Lord. They will see how you respect and love others. They will notice your good deeds. With each action, we can transform the world. We can break through the darkness as our family, friends and neighbors will see in us the reflection of Christ and hopefully be attracted to the way, the truth and the life. Our faith and good works should shine for all to see!