“Let Your Light Shine”
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
January 26 – 27, 2019
Scripture: Luke 1: 1-4, 4:14-21
1) Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2) just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3) I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4) so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. 14)Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. 15) He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 16) He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read 17) and was handed a scroll of where it was written: 18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19) and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” 20) Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. 21) He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The Sacrament of Baptism is a gift from God. It signifies our entry into Christian life and provides us access to true freedom. After baptism, we are cleansed of original sin, and our souls are transformed profoundly. However, with the gift of baptism comes the responsibility to become His disciple and to share the Gospel. God’s love is not a treasure to be hidden away behind lock and key. We are called to share it with others. St. Francis of Assisi said we should proclaim the faith day in and day out and to use words if necessary. In other words, our deeds must match what we say.
The truly poor are those who do not know God and who are enslaved by sin. My godmother grew up very poor; in fact, the only toys she had as a child were sticks. But, she had a strong faith in God, so she was rich and she was free, because true freedom is found in bondage to Christ. We need to teach liberty to those who are held captive by sin. Jesus said: “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.” (John 8: 31-34). Before his conversion, Paul hated everything that Jesus represented. But, once the scales had fallen from his eyes and he suddenly realized the truth, Paul began at once to “proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20).
Tell people the good news. They love to hear stories…so, tell them yours! Let people know what God has done for you and how He has released you from being a slave to sin. Tell them about your hopes, joys, and peace because you dwell in His love. Let people know how He gives you peace when you are troubled, courage when you are frightened, hope when you are suffering, patience with which to carry your crosses, and trust because He always keeps His promises. We experience His love in countless ways. Share it with others so that the scales can fall from their eyes and they, too, may experience the love and mercy of our Lord.
How will you apply this message to your life? Will you let your light shine so that others can see His love in you? Will you tell people what God has done for you so that the scales fall from their eyes and they can experience His love?