Let there be Light

I have memories of a childhood holiday, where we decided to go on a tour of some underground caverns. The ground was slippery, the path bordered by a flimsy rope handrail, and we spent what seems like ages walking down into the depths.
And then they turned out the lights. Total blackness. Disorientating darkness. You literally could not see a hand in front of your face.
Then the tour guide lit a small candle. One small candle against the Stygian darkness. And like a hesitant glimmer of hope, the light from that tiny flickering candle grew to fill the vast cave, casting out fear, bathing us in a warm glow, even seeming to give out a tiny bit of heat against the chill and damp of the cave.
In the soft flickering light, we noticed what had been previously missed in the strong electric spotlights, and that was the sparkle of thousands of crystals glinting out from amongst the limestone of the caves. A truly magical memory, a sight that so easily could have been overlooked if we had continued on our underground tour uninterrupted.
The power of one small candle banishing the darkness is an image that has stayed with me. A candle brought out the hidden beauty that the glare of spotlights had hidden. Both sources of light had their place – it would not have been very safe to continue the cave tour led by a dim candle, after all!
Different lights for different needs. It does not matter how tiny or insignificant you think your own light is, it is a beautiful light in God’s eyes, for He made it so. God wants us to shine, to be a good example, to make a difference.
In a world where the negatives seem to be strongly outweighing the positives, it can be difficult to retain perspective. What can any one person do against so much evil and disaster in the world?
By being kind and compassionate, by helping each other, by smiling at strangers, by charitable acts, we are a candle in the dark. No matter how small our flickering light seems, we are a living example of the light of Christ in the world, and we have a duty and privilege to share that light with others everywhere we go.
The best way of being a light to others, to share in the Good News of Christ’s redemption, is to be an example that others want to emulate. As St Francis of Assisi said:
“Preach the gospel with all of your life and, if necessary, use words.”
When your whole life speaks to others of the love of God, people will want to learn more about your source of energy, your hope and faith that helps you to be an inspiration to others.
The one who came before us, the Living Lord, was truly the Light of the World. His was a light brighter than suns, a light everlasting, a light of truth. A victor over the darkness. Jesus said:

“Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

With Advent fast approaching, think on the candles that we light each week, and what they symbolise. A candle of Faith, a candle of Hope, a candle of Love, a candle of Joy. Kindle these lights in your heart, where Jesus put them. And praise our Lord and Maker in everything we think and say and do.

AMEN