Shine your Light

In recent weeks here in Kilmacud Carmel, we have been gradually replacing old power-hungry light bulbs with new lower-energy LED bulbs. Many people we know are doing the same. It is part of our attempt towards sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. We hope that our efforts will have an impact, albeit small, towards protecting our world, our “common home”.

This week on the feast of All Carmelite Saints, our chaplain told us of the story of a little boy who was asked “what is a saint?” and his reply, inspired by the stained-glass windows in the church was: “someone who lets the light shine through them”. We know that the Gospel exhorts us Christians to let our light shine in the world and not to hide it under a bushel and this message has been the inspiration towards many songs. One popular children’s song goes: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… let it shine….”

We all know ordinary people – not canonised by the Church – who were and are shining lights in the world to those around them. We all strive to be the same. Just as at this dark time of year people decorate their homes and shops with coloured lights, our dark world needs the bright lights of you and me and all those who strive to be saints in their own little way.

The most popular of the Carmelite Saints, Thérèse of Lisieux, was certainly a shining light in her community as she practiced her “Little Way” of love and care towards all those around her. She also had an interest in the modern technology of her day (she was fascinated with the recently invented elevator!). She would probably be fascinated by the new LED bulbs which do not use as much energy but give brighter light.

When we are trying to shine our light and practice the “Little Way”, we could perhaps think of an LED bulb with the letters standing for “Love Everyone Dearly”. Just like Thérèse, we can shine our light brightly with even small amounts of energy!

 

Graphic image: https://whipperberry.com/let-your-light-so-shine-before-men-lds/