This morning, I heard a reference to a Bible passage I was not familiar with, or I should say, I no longer remembered. Later on, I saw that it´s part of the Sermon on the Mount, a very popular reading from the Gospel. So I´m guessing I probably heard it many times during Mass, although perhaps this particular passage tends to go unnoticed right after the Beatitudes.

Here´s what it says:

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, so it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5, 15-16).

This passage is a reminder that each of us have something to contribute to this life, and that we shouldn´t hide that contribution of ours because it may serve as help and guidance to other people..

(Apologies for the photo being a bit blurry, but I love this happy little radiant sun drawing I saw the other day.)

The problem is that very often we find it hard to recognise our own value, and we tend not to believe that whatever we do or do not do will make any difference... If this is your case, I invite you to sit down with pen and paper and make a list of actions you have taken that have had a positive impact on other people, regardless of how big or small. In all those moments, your light was shining for them.

But beware, I´m not talking about boasting or announcing ourselves too much, forcing the act of showing to others the goodness in us and in the things we do... The light of a lamp is not imposing or invading; it simply flows, quietly illuminating its surroundings.

Similarly, each of us can let our contribution get out into the world, according to our talents and our own style, and humbly make it available to whoever can benefit from it. Without making ourselves bigger or smaller. Without inflating or diminishing ourselves. Without blocking our light. Being brave enough to shine.

Part of my contribution, for example, is this blog. What´s yours?