As I reviewed the readings for today, I was struck by the theme of light. The responsorial psalm, the alleluia, and the gospel repeat this important concept of light. I started reflecting upon all the different meanings of light. We often speak of “seeing the light” when we understand something or when someone comes to share our perspective on something, we say that they have seen the light. We speak of coming out of the darkness and into the light as we clarify meaning in our lives. Light is associated with good, purity, warmth, and comfort. Light dispels the darkness not only the literal darkness but the symbolic darkness where so many of our fears lie. Light is the saving grace – Christ is light!
In the responsorial psalm, we hear:
Lord, let your face shine on me.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple.
We recognize that it is through the sacred words that we are brought out of darkness – the very word of God is enlightening, His very Being aglow with light that shines upon us and all that is good. It is not complicated – when we open our hearts to the light, good things will happen.
The “Alleluia” continues the theme of light encouraging us to let our light shine and in so doing honor our God – it is through our good deeds that our light shines. We shine brightest when we are focused on serving others and truly living, “love thy neighbor.”
Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father
The gospel makes the strongest case for light and the light that we should be in the world. It provides the idea for “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let shine.” We are charged to share this light that we have been given – using it to reflect our good deeds. I was somewhat surprised with Jesus saying to the apostles You are the light of the world. I remember as a very young child, a small picture that my mother had on the wall, it was entitled, Light of the World. It was a picture of Jesus as a young child with pale curls and a brilliant halo aglow around His head. The picture seemed very old even then – now as it hangs in my home, it is even older!! It was (is) a very plain piece yet it is more powerful than I ever knew. I believe that simple picture left an indelible mark on me and my belief in Christ as the our Light – it was a fact hanging on the wall and looking at me.
Since I read the material for this reflection – a number of songs have been “playing” in my head and I leave you with the first verse and chorus of the one that would not stop … Christ, Be our Light ( by Bernadette Farrell):
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
Light for the world to see.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts
Shine through the darkness!
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
