How to Bring Light to the Darkness

Several months ago while watching an episode of a streaming show that boasts a very talented cast and an intriguing storyline, I told my husband I could not watch the series anymore. I felt sick to my stomach and my husband said he felt the same. It was not because the show was violent or gruesome.

The reason is because in none of the characters was there a redeeming quality to be found. None of them was striving to be a better, kinder person. No one was concerned for the interest of another. Each character lived his or her life with the belief that ‘looking out for myself’ is the only good worth choosing. It made me wonder if this is what hell is like.

Last week, I decided to finish the season and watch the last two episodes. Each character received the sad consequences of his or her many selfish choices. For one this meant suicide. For the others, it was the realization of how the choices they made played a part. The final episode ended with each character facing the reality of death. Not a ray of hope could be found as the show faded into dark.

In none of the episodes did any character speak of faith in God or have anyone in their life who did. The name of our Lord Jesus Christ was spoken often but only in vain to curse their circumstances and each other. Though I highly doubt I will tune in again, I am grateful that I finished the season because it helped me to see the vital importance of bringing the light of Jesus Christ as hope in the lives of others.

Bring Light In A Creative Way

I know sharing our faith with someone can be difficult. A family member of mine with little to no faith often took our Lord’s name in vain. I lacked the courage to confront him about it, so I chose another tactic. I would tag on “Our Lord and Savior” to his, “Jesus Christ!” The first time he looked at me strangely and I said, “I am turning your curse into a blessing.” He smiled at this, but he never stopped. Neither did I. This man died a few years ago after a bout of cancer. This tiny light of Jesus I brought to this man gives me hope that when he encountered Jesus at his death, he knew exactly what to say, “Our Lord and Savior!” I pray he did.

Jesus’ Demand

In Jesus’ revelations to St. Faustina which she recorded in her diary of Divine Mercy (742), He told her,

“I demand from you deeds of mercy which are to arise out of love for me. You are to show mercy to your neighbor always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try and excuse yourself from it. I am giving your three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first by deed, the second by word, the third by prayer.”

Be A Light In A Dark World

When we step out in faith, expect to be rejected. This should not stop us. In Scripture, we read of many times Jesus was rejected, and most sadly, by His own family and neighbors (Luke 4:14-30). Our Lord Jesus continues to be rejected by those who do not know His Goodness and Love. With more and more people lacking faith, it could just be that the only light of Jesus Christ in a group of people is you. Let us not shrink from these opportunities or excuse ourselves.

When you know you should bring His Light, but are afraid, ask the Holy Spirit for courage and find peace in the knowledge His Mercy flows through us regardless of the response. You will feel uncomfortable and that is normal. Do it anyway. As our world is quickly moving from fading to tumbling into darkness, bring the light of Jesus Christ to everywhere you go. Be the ray hope this world so desperately needs.

Nan Balfour is a grateful Catholic whose greatest desire is to make our Lord Jesus more loved. She seeks to accomplish this through her vocation to womanhood, marriage, motherhood, and as a writer, speaker and events coordinator for Pilgrim Center of Hope.

Answering Christ’s call, Pilgrim Center of Hope guides people to encounter Him so as to live in hope, as pilgrims in daily life. See what’s happening & let us journey with you! Visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org.